Post on 03-Feb-2023
THE ROLE OF THE KENYA LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES
CONSORTIUM (KLISC) IN THE PROVISION OF ELECTRONIC
INFORMATION RESOURCES IN LIBRARIES IN KENYA
BY
TABITHA MULI MWANZIA
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Information Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Library and
Information Studies in the Department of Library, Records Management and
Information Studies
MOI UNIVERSITY
ELDORET
OCTOBER, 2014
ii
DECLARATION
DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE
I certify that this thesis is my original work and no such material has been submitted for
the award of a degree by this or any other university. No part of this work may be
reproduced without the permission of the author and/or Moi University.
Tabitha Muli Mwanzia
Registration IS/MPHIL/02/09
Signature_____________________________ Date __________________________
DECLARATION BY SUPERVISORS
This thesis has been submitted for examination with our approval as University
supervisors;
Prof Japheth Otike
School of Information Sciences
Department of Library, Records Management and Information Studies
Moi University.
Signature__________________________ Date___________________________
Dr. Barnabas Githiora
Department of Communication and Journalism
Kenya Methodist University.
Signature__________________________ Date___________________________
iv
ABSTRACT
Due to the increasing prices of e-journals many libraries are turning to consortia building
to provide e-resources for their members. In Kenya, libraries have formed Kenya Library
and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) to provide e-resources for their members.
KLISC like any other consortium provides access to knowledge and information
resources electronically at low cost. It achieves this through partnership with international
Networks for Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP). The partnership deals with
issues such as negotiations for better prices and licensing process which are critical issues
for consortia. Despite the important role KLISC plays, there are certain issues which may
affect its effectiveness which may include ICT connectivity, skills for access, user
satisfaction and the consortium management. The aim of the study was to explore the
effectiveness of KLISC in the provision of electronic information resources in
consortium libraries in Kenya with a view to proposing ways and means of enhancing its
effectiveness. The objectives of the study were to: Investigate activities of KLISC in the
provision of electronic information resources in Kenya; establish the need for e-resources
in consortium libraries; ascertain the extent to which KLISC has assisted in the provision
of e-information resources to consortium libraries in the country; establish the problems
experienced by consortium libraries in accessing electronic information resources; and to
propose solutions to improve provision of e-resources to consortium libraries. The study
was informed by environmental Economic Networking Model (Kaul 2001). The study
used qualitative inquiry. Data was collected from participants selected through stratified
random sampling from KLISC‘s member libraries and KLISC officials. Method of data
collection used was face-to-face interviews and the collected data was analysed
thematically. The study established that KLISC provided the members access to forty two
electronic databases from which members had access to various electronic information
resources; provision of scientific information for researchers and scholars was the
greatest need for e-resources among members; poor development of ICT infrastructure,
poor connectivity and lack of ICT skills was a common challenge among members. The
study recommends improvement of infrastructure among members, promotion of the
consortium to all libraries in Kenya, introduction of other electronic services to enhance
access to more information and resource sharing, and improvement of the training
programme to make it more effective.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This work could not have achieved its present form were it not for the help of several
individuals. Special regards go out to my supervisors Professor Japheth Otike and Dr
Barnabas Githiora, of Moi University and Kenya Methodist University respectively.
Their comments and guidance were instrumental in shaping up of the final document.
Many thanks to all the respondents who willingly provided the information.
Many thanks go to all my course lecturers at Moi University and my colleagues of
IS/Mphil/2009.
Special thanks go to my friend Eunice Nyaga of Kenya technical college (KTTC) for
helping me with the final touches of this report. Discussions with her really helped
organize the report.
God bless you all.
Last but not least, I thank God for His Grace which was sufficient for me.
All glory and honor is yours Almighty Father.
AMEN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ................................................................................................................ ii
DEDICATION ................................................................................................................... iii
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................. v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... xiii
LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... xiv
LIST OF ABBRIVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .......................................................... xv
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY .............................................................................. 1
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Background to the Study ............................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Library Cooperation ............................................................................................... 2
1.2.2 Development of Consortia in the World ................................................................ 4
1.2.3 Need for E-Journal Consortia ................................................................................. 6
1.2.4 Role of Consortia in Resource Sharing .................................................................. 7
1.2.5 Major Issues Related to Consortium Building ....................................................... 7
1.2.5.1 Resources Identification .................................................................................. 7
1.2.5.2 Technology Infrastructure ............................................................................... 8
1.2.5.3 Pricing Issues ................................................................................................... 8
1.2.5.4 Access Related Issues ...................................................................................... 8
1.2.5.5 Licensing and Copyright Issues ....................................................................... 9
1.2.5.6 Archival Issues ................................................................................................ 9
1.2.5.7 Perpetual Access ............................................................................................ 10
1.2.5.7a LOCKSS ..................................................................................................... 11
1.2.5.7b DSpace ......................................................................................................... 11
1.2.5.7c Ithaka ........................................................................................................... 11
1.3 The Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) ......................... 12
1.3.1 KLISC Membership ............................................................................................. 12
1.3.2 KLISC‘s Objectives are as follows: ..................................................................... 15
1.3.3 KLISC Management ............................................................................................ 15
1.3.4 Partnership ............................................................................................................... 16
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1.3.4.1 INASP ............................................................................................................ 16
1.3.4.2 eIFL ............................................................................................................... 18
1.4 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................ 19
1.5 Aim of the Study ......................................................................................................... 20
1.6 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................... 20
1.7 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 21
1.8 Assumptions of the Study ........................................................................................... 21
1.9 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 22
1.9.1 Theoretical Significance ....................................................................................... 22
1.9.2 Practical Significance ........................................................................................... 23
1.9.3 Policy Related Significance ................................................................................. 23
1.10 Scope of the Study .................................................................................................... 23
1.11 Limitations of the Study............................................................................................ 23
1.11.1 Study Coverage .................................................................................................. 23
1.11.2 Lack of Cooperation ........................................................................................... 24
1.11.3 Use of a Recording Machine .............................................................................. 24
1.12 Definition of Terms and Concepts ............................................................................ 24
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................ 27
LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................. 27
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 27
2.2 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................... 27
2.3 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................... 30
2.4 Related Studies............................................................................................................ 31
2.4.1 Historical Development of Consortia ................................................................... 32
2.4.2 Role of a Library Consortium in The Provision of Electronic Information
Resources ...................................................................................................................... 36
2.4.3 Library Co-Operation and Networking ................................................................ 36
2.4.3.1 Purpose of Library Cooperation .................................................................... 38
2.4.3.2 Barriers to Cooperation ................................................................................. 38
2.4.4 Networking ........................................................................................................... 38
2.4.4.1 Benefits of Networking ................................................................................. 39
2.4.5 Resource Sharing.................................................................................................. 40
2.4.5.1Types of Resource Sharing ............................................................................. 42
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2.2.5.1a Interlibrary Lending and Document Delivery ............................................. 42
2.4.5.1b Shared Acquisition ...................................................................................... 43
2.4.5.1c Exchange of Personnel ................................................................................. 43
2.4.6 Licensing .............................................................................................................. 44
2.4.6.1 License Agreement ........................................................................................ 45
2.4.6.2Licensing Principles ....................................................................................... 46
2.4.6.3 Licenses and the Law .................................................................................... 46
2.4.6.4 Licenses and Values ...................................................................................... 47
2.4.6.5 Licenses: Access and Use .............................................................................. 47
2.4.6.6Licenses and End Users .................................................................................. 48
2.4.6.7 Licenses and Perpetual Access ...................................................................... 48
2.4.6.8 Licenses and Pricing ...................................................................................... 49
2.4.6.9 Interlibrary Loan ............................................................................................ 49
2.4.6.10 Teaching and Learning ................................................................................ 49
2.4.7 Consortium Models .............................................................................................. 50
2.4.7.1 Membership Models ...................................................................................... 50
2.4.7.1a Open Consortia: ........................................................................................... 50
2.4.7.1b Closed Group Consortia: ............................................................................. 50
2.4.7.2 Funding Models ............................................................................................. 51
2.4.7.2a Centralized Funded Model........................................................................... 51
2.4.7.2b Decentralized Funded Model: ..................................................................... 51
2.4.7.2c Shared-Budget Model: ................................................................................. 51
2.4.7.3 Geographical Models ..................................................................................... 52
2.4.7.3a International Consortium: ............................................................................ 52
2.4.7.3b National Consortium: .................................................................................. 52
2.4.7.3c Regional Consortium: .................................................................................. 52
2.4.7.4 Discipline-Based ............................................................................................ 52
2.4.8 Standards .............................................................................................................. 53
2.4.8.1 EZproxy ......................................................................................................... 53
2.4.8.2 Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) .......................................... 54
2.4.8.3 Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) ................................................................... 54
2.4.8.4 Shibboleth ...................................................................................................... 54
2.4.8.5 Athens ............................................................................................................ 55
2.4.9 Summary of Related Studies ................................................................................ 55
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CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................ 57
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................. 57
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 57
3.2 Research Design.......................................................................................................... 57
3.3 Type of Research Design for the Study ...................................................................... 58
3.4 The Study Population .................................................................................................. 59
3.5 The Study Sample ...................................................................................................... 60
3.5.1 Sampling Methods................................................................................................ 61
3.5.2 Sampling Technique ............................................................................................. 61
3.6 Method of Data Collection .......................................................................................... 62
3.6.1 The Interview Method .......................................................................................... 62
3.7 The Tools for Data Collection .................................................................................... 63
3.8 Procedure for Data Collection .................................................................................... 63
3.9 Reliability and Validity ............................................................................................... 63
3.10 Methods of Data Analysis and Presentation ............................................................. 64
3.11 Ethical Issues ............................................................................................................ 66
3.12 Summary of the Chapter ........................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................................... 68
DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION ......................... 68
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 68
4.2 General and Bio information ...................................................................................... 69
4.2.1 Response Rate ...................................................................................................... 69
4.2.2 Designation of the Respondents ........................................................................... 70
4.2.3 Experience of the Respondents ............................................................................ 70
4.2.4 Number of Users in Each Category of Libraries .................................................. 71
4.2.5 Registration, Annual Membership and Annual Subscription Fee ........................ 72
4.3 The Activities of KLISC in the Provision of Electronic Information Resources in
Libraries in Kenya............................................................................................................. 74
4.3.1 E-resources available through KLISC.................................................................. 74
4.3.2 Information Support Offered by KLISC .............................................................. 76
4.3.2.1 Prompt Communication of New Developments by the KLISC Management
................................................................................................................................... 78
4.3.2.2 Training Staff in ICT Skills ........................................................................... 78
4.3.2.3 Mediation between Users and Publishers ...................................................... 79
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4.3.2.4 Negotiations for Better Prices........................................................................ 79
4.3.2.5 Introduction of New Resources ..................................................................... 80
4.3.2.6 Licensing ....................................................................................................... 80
4.3.2.7 System Problems ........................................................................................... 81
4.3.2.8 Statistics of Use ............................................................................................. 81
4.3.2.9 Sponsorship of Programmes .......................................................................... 81
4.3.2.10 Exposure to the World through Listing ....................................................... 82
4.4 The Need for E-Resources .......................................................................................... 82
4.4.1 Research Work ..................................................................................................... 84
4.4.2 Provision of Bibliographic Information ............................................................... 84
4.4.3 Save on Storage Space ......................................................................................... 84
4.4.4 Access to a Variety of Resources ......................................................................... 84
4.4.5 Development in Technology Especially ICT ....................................................... 85
4.4.6 Easy Distribution of Information ......................................................................... 85
4.4.7 Course Work for Students .................................................................................... 85
4.4.8 Access to Scholarly Information .......................................................................... 86
4.4.9 Ease of Use ........................................................................................................... 86
4.4.10 User Demand ...................................................................................................... 86
4.5 The Extent to which KLISC has assisted in the Provision of E-Resources ................ 86
4.5.1 The Number of Journals Subscribed to before KLISC ........................................ 87
4.5.2 Money Spent on Subscription before KLISC ...................................................... 88
4.5.3 Money Paid After Joining KLISC ........................................................................ 89
4.5.4 Number of Users Served by the Libraries ............................................................ 90
4.5.5 Benefits of Joining KLISC ................................................................................... 91
4.5.5.1 Free Training ................................................................................................. 91
4.5.5.2 Networking .................................................................................................... 91
4.5.5.3 Cost Reduction .............................................................................................. 91
4.5.5.4 Constant Availability of Information ............................................................ 92
4.5.5.5 Access to Current Information ...................................................................... 92
4.6 Problems Experienced by Consortium Members in Accessing the E-Resource ........ 93
4.6.1 Poor ICT Infrastructure ........................................................................................ 95
4.6.2 Slow Speed ........................................................................................................... 95
xi
4.6.3 Password Requirements ....................................................................................... 96
4.6.4 Slow Communication ........................................................................................... 96
4.6.5 Denied Access to Full Text .................................................................................. 96
4.6.6 Embargo Period .................................................................................................... 96
4.6.7 IP Limitations ....................................................................................................... 97
4.6.8 Resources not Available to All............................................................................. 97
4.6.9 Lack of Skills ...................................................................................................... 97
4.6.10 High Subscription ............................................................................................... 98
4.6.11 Insufficient Resources ........................................................................................ 98
4.6.12 sharing among Regional Branches ..................................................................... 98
4.7 Proposed Solutions to Improve Availability of E-resources....................................... 99
4.7.1 Promotion of KLISC ............................................................................................ 99
4.7.2 Improve Infrastructure........................................................................................ 100
4.7.3 Fair Treatment .................................................................................................... 100
4.7.4 Secretariat for KLISC......................................................................................... 100
4.7.5 KLISC Accounts ................................................................................................ 100
4.7.6 Effective Communication of Needs ................................................................... 100
CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................... 101
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ... 101
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 101
5.2 Summary of Findings and Discussions ..................................................................... 101
5.2.1 Activities of KLISC in the Provision of Electronic Resources .......................... 101
5.2.2 Information Support Offered by KLISC ............................................................ 102
5.2.3 The Need for E-Resources ................................................................................. 104
5.2.4 How KLISC has assisted in the Provision of Electronic Resources .................. 106
5.2.5 Problems Experienced in Accessing E-Resources ............................................. 109
5.2.6 Proposed Solutions to Improve Availability of E-resources .............................. 112
5.3 Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 115
5.4 Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 116
5.4.1 Recommendations to KLISC ............................................................................. 116
5.4.2 Recommendations to Consortium Member Libraries ........................................ 119
5.4.3 Recommendations for Further Research ............................................................ 119
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REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 120
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................... 125
APPENDIX I: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR LIBRARIANS .................................. 125
APPENDIX II: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR THE KLISC MANAGEMENT ....... 130
APPENDIX III: RESOURCES AVAILLABLE TO KENYA THROUGH INASP ...... 135
APPENDIX IV: ELECTRONIC DATABASES AND JOURNALS ............................. 140
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI 2010 ................................................................................ 140
APPENDIX V: RESEARCH PERMIT LETTER .......................................................... 147
APPENDIX VII: RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION ..................................................... 148
APPENDIX VII: RESEARCH PERMIT ....................................................................... 149
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: KLISC‘S Membership ..................................................................................... 13
Table 3.1: The Study Population ...................................................................................... 60
Table 4.1: Response Rate (n=52) .............................................................................................. 69
Table 4.2 Information about Respondents (n=52) ............................................................ 70
Table 4.3: Experience of the Respondents in years (n=50) .............................................. 71
Table 4.4: Number of Users in Each Category of Libraries ............................................. 72
Table 4.5: Payments for Membership and Subscription ................................................... 73
Table 4.6: Libraries with Branches (n=50) ....................................................................... 73
Table 4.7 List of Databases Accessible to KLISC ............................................................ 75
Table 4.8: Summary of Information Support and Services Offered by KLISC (Multiple
Responses) ........................................................................................................................ 77
Table 4.9: Need for E- Resources (Multiple Responses) .................................................. 83
Table 4.10: Number of Journals Subscribed to before KLISC (n=50) ............................. 87
Table 4.11: Money Spent on Subscription before (n=50) ................................................ 88
Table 4.12: Money Paid for Registration, Membership and Subscription ....................... 90
Table 4.13: Benefits of Joining KLISC (multiple responses) ........................................... 93
Table 4.14: Problems of Access to The Resources (Multiple Responses) ....................... 94
Table 4.15: Conditions for Access to Information (Multiple Responses) ........................ 99
Table 4.16: Access by Branches (Multiple Responses) .................................................... 99
xiv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1: Environmental Economic Networking Model (Kaul 2001) ........................... 28
Figure 2.2: Conceptual Framework .................................................................................. 31
xv
LIST OF ABBRIVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ALA - American Library Association
CALICO - Cape Library Cooperative
CARL - Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries
CHILL - Consortium of Independent Health Information Libraries in
London
CONZULAC - Committee of New Zealand University Librarians Acquisitions
Consortium
COTUL - Consortium for Tanzanian University and Research Libraries
CSIR - Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India)
CURL - Consortium of University and Research Libraries
CUUL - Consortium of Ugandan University Libraries
EBSCO - Elton B. Stephens Company
EIFL - Electronic Information for Libraries
esAL - Eastern seaboard Association of libraries
FRELICO - Free State Libraries and information consortium
GAELIC - Gauteng and environs Library consortium
GALILEO - GeorgiA Library Learning Online
HEAL-LINK - Hellenic Academic Libraries LINK
HTML - Hypertext Markup Language
ICOLC - International Coalition of Library Consortium
ICSU - International Council of Scientific Unions
ICT - Information Communication Technology
IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations
CLM - Copyright and other Legal Matters
INASP - International Networks for the Availability of Scientific
Publications
INDEST - Indian National Digital Library in Engineering Science And
Technology
IP - Internet Protocol
KENET - Kenya Education Network
xvi
KLISC - Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium
LDAP - Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
LOCKSS - Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe
MARC - Machine Readable catalogue
NEICON - National electronic information consortium of Russia
PDF - Portable Document Format
PERI - Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information
SAILOR - Maryland's Public Information Network
SANLIC - South African National Library and Information consortium
SEALS - South Eastern Academic Library System
SGML - Standard Generalized Markup Language
SIP - Session Initiation Protocol
1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
1.1 Introduction
This chapter covers background to the study, statement of the problem, the aim and
objectives, research questions, assumptions of the study, scope of the study, limitation,
ethical issues, and significance of the study.
1.2 Background to the Study
The advent of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has enhanced library
cooperation among libraries all over the world. This has led to a paradigm shift towards
formation of consortia owing to the high prices of the emerging e-resources. Consortia
are formed to enable members purchase these resources as a group by taking advantage
of bulk buying and synergy. A consortium can be defined as a group of organizations
who come together to fulfill a combined objective that usually requires cooperation and
sharing of resources. Hirshon (1999) defines library consortia as any group of libraries
working together towards a common goal, either to expand cooperation on traditional
library services or electronic information services. Library consortium can also be
defined as the organization of libraries formed to realize the benefit and opportunities of
collaborative activity. The aim should be to deliver ―more than the sum of the individual
parts‖. A library Consortium formation can be at local, regional, state, national or
international level.
2
Although no particular date can be cited as the beginning point of library consortium, the
concept of consortium as an association or partnership has long been a tenet of
librarianship (Kopp, 1998). In America, cooperation for resource sharing started longer
than any other part of the world and though the idea of cooperation has been in existence
for many years, library consortium is still at its nascent stage in many countries. Being an
emerging development where the number of participating libraries is increasing every
day, much attention is placed on library consortia and consequently a lot has been written
about it. An important aspect of resource sharing is library cooperation
1.2.1 Library Cooperation
There are many instances of such cooperation among libraries in the library literature
(Kaul, 1999). Need of resource sharing was realized by libraries a long way back.
Besides entering into inter-library loan practice, libraries also thought seriously of
resource sharing in many other areas such as, co-operative acquisition, co-operative
cataloguing, and co-operative classification, among others. Inter-library loan has been
practiced as one of the most popular resource sharing activity amongst libraries.
However, Inter-library loan in a traditional library is severely affected by barriers of
information communication, such as apathy of the lending library, distance, language and
time among others. The barriers to resource sharing in the print environment as it existed
till recently include: open access to shared resource not feasible; service depends upon
library performance; and access to shared resource at a cost.
A computerized inter-library loan system overcomes these limitations. For resource
sharing, the participating libraries need to come together and cooperate in two broad
3
areas: developing the collection on shared basis; and developing services for exploiting
such collection (Dhawan, 1999). Developing the shared resources is of great importance
and central to the concept of resource sharing. The focus is first on eliminating
duplication in the acquisition of various participating libraries to the extent possible.
Thereafter, the focus is on the selection of publications which the participating libraries
agree to share, and later on their acquisitions. The efforts of participating libraries in
developing the shared resources are, therefore, directed in two distinct directions of
rationalization and acquisition.
As the economy dwindles and many libraries having to contend with budget cuts,
libraries are embracing consortia formation for acquisition of shared e-resources.
Consortia are regarded as an effective strategy to increase the buying power of individual
libraries over the short term and as an opportunity to maximize opportunities for
cooperative collection building and for resource sharing over the long term (Landesman
and Reenen, 2009). They offer libraries the ability to give users the access to a much
broader range of materials than any one library could possibly offer. Consortia have
become an important way of doing business and extending access to information for
library patrons. By offering publishers the opportunity to sell to a very large number of
users at once and to save on their marketing and administrative costs, consortia generally
get products at a lower cost than individual libraries.
4
In other words this cooperation does not benefit the libraries only, vendors and publishers
have come to realize how advantageous consortial purchasing can be. They get access to
new market sectors, they are able to expand the reach of titles that otherwise would have
a small audience by bundling them with titles in higher demand, thus making the more
specialized (and sometimes weaker) titles attractive to consortia. The consortia approach
is a win-win situation for all its stakeholders-users, publishers, and libraries. Most
importantly, users are the ultimate end beneficiaries of such initiatives (Sreekumar,
2002).
1.2.2 Development of Consortia in the World
The development of consortia has been increasing since the 1990‘s in response to the
increasing advancement in information technology. Since then, globally, there has been a
steady increase of consortia. All over the world libraries are joining one form of consortia
or another. Library consortia are of different levels and sizes. There are those which are
of national level, for example, South African National Library and Information
Consortium (SANLIC) of South Africa, KLISC of Kenya, Consortium of Ugandan
University Libraries (CUUL) of Uganda and Consortium for Tanzanian University and
Research Libraries (COTUL) of Tanzania. At the regional level are Cape Library
Cooperative (CALICO) and Gauteng and Environs Library consortium (GAELIC) of
South Africa among others. There are also those consortia of other consortia which can
be termed as the meta-consortia. At this level there are only two major ones that is,
International Coalition of Library Consortium (ICOLC0 and Electronic Information for
Libraries (EIFL). Other consortia have developed at the state level. Good examples are
5
Colorado‘s Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL), GeorgiA Library Learning Online
(GALILEO), Maryland's Public Information Network (SAILOR) and J-GATE of India
among others. Evidence shows that the use of consortia is on the increase owing to
benefits reaped by its members especially universities and research institutions where
journals play a big role in provision of required information.
Consortia offer several benefits including: access to otherwise un-subscribed materials;
scope for electronic archives; availability and monitoring of usage statistics; getting deep
discounts through joint pricing negotiations – hence lower unit cost of information;
reduced storage costs; developing common resources databases; effective document
delivery systems; a single interface and access point; enhanced search facilities; and, but
not limited to, better scope for developing a union catalogue among participating libraries
The consortium is, therefore, needed by libraries because of Information explosion;
diversity of user needs; financial crunch; and impossibility of self-sufficiency. Consortia
and umbrella groups of consortia, such as International Coalition of Library consortium
(ICOLC), have gained tremendous influence in the marketplace. They influence pricing,
as evidenced by the 2009 ICOLC Statement on the Global Economic Crisis and its
impact on Consortial Licenses (IFLA 2009), and multiple iterations of the ICOLC
statement of current perspectives and preferred practices and for the selection and
purchase of Electronic information. The directors of consortia have taken the lead in
moving publishers to a better understanding of the library market place. Interactions
between consortia and publishers have highlighted some of the adversarial aspects of this
relation, but it has also magnified the interdependence of these two parties as they relate
6
to the greater library environment (Burke, 2010). Likewise, publishers are offered
through consortium, reduced attrition; improved income stability; incremental revenue;
and greater visibility of their products. (Sreekumar, 2002).
Consortial benefits also extend to the traditional roles of consortia, namely the
establishment of regional academic library consortia across the countries, using donor
funding to promote best practices, improving inter-lending and document delivery
services among members, implementing staff skills development programs, establishing
committed leadership and staff in member libraries, enhancing electronic communication
such as e-mail, e-mail discussion lists, and web sites, reducing the duplication of non-
core materials through the joint purchasing of electronic resources, and enhancing the
credibility and support provided by the consortium (Thomas, 2004). Likewise, consortia
play a crucial role in assisting their members to access electronic journals as well as to
negotiate for better prices for its members.
1.2.3 Need for E-Journal Consortia
The reason why libraries provide information is to satisfy the needs of their patrons. The
need for provision of e-resources in libraries has been increasing due to various factors
like technological development, for sharing of bibliographic information and provision of
scientific information among others. Over the past ten years there has been substantial
increase in the production of e-Journals the world over (Sreekumar and Sunitha, 2005).
Out of over 150,000 serials published the world over, more than 70,000 cover scholarly
communications, and among these more than 20,000 titles are electronic journals and are
accessible on the Internet. More than 2500 of these scholarly journals are free for all,
7
which comprise a vast treasure of scholarly content from around the world. At the same
time, the user community also has been influenced by these technologies to such an
extent that there has been demand from users for providing such electronic information
services in the libraries (Sreekumar & sunitha, 2005).
1.2.4 Role of Consortia in Resource Sharing
Participation in consortial activities places some responsibilities on libraries such as
selection, price negotiation and licensing. These are quite involving and technical in
nature and require expertise which is lacking among librarians in most cases. The
consortia play an important role of running such affairs for its members. There are many
issues relating to consortia like zeroing in and identifying the resources, uninterrupted
online access, perpetual access to back issues, pricing, licensing, subscription payment,
copyright archiving, planning and implementing the right kind of IT infrastructure among
others. (Sreekumar & Sunitha, 2005). These issues are further discussed here below.
1.2.5 Major Issues Related to Consortium Building
Sreekumar and Sunitha (2005) put across the following as a list of major issues relating
to consortium building:
1.2.5.1 Resources Identification
Identifying the most suitable product which is agreed upon by all the members of the
consortium is more or less a difficult proposition. This is because each and every member
will have his/her own wish list of information products and services, although
8
overlapping of products will be on the higher side in the case of an ideal homogeneous
group.
1.2.5.2 Technology Infrastructure
Long range planning and sourcing of the appropriate IT and Communication
infrastructure conducive for proper delivery of information resources is a pre-requisite for
every participating library.
1.2.5.3 Pricing Issues
Concerning pricing, there are no standard practices or processes being followed by
majority of the publishers of scholarly literature and hence this is a grey area all together.
In most cases cost of the journals are out of reach of many libraries and only a consortia
approach could provide some meaningful practical solution. Through consortia,
publishers are invited for negotiations and asked to offer their best prices to the consortia.
Several methods of pricing are followed, but what is important is that finally the price
offered by the publisher should be economically viable for the participating libraries,
which should also ensure uninterrupted and perpetual access to the resources.
1.2.5.4 Access Related Issues
There are various access methods offered by publishers towards accessing their resources
which varies from case to case. Access authentication could be User ID / Password based
or IP based which are popular among them. Uninterrupted and hassle free access to the
scholarly content is the ultimate objective of the consortium.
9
1.2.5.5 Licensing and Copyright Issues
As opposed to the print paradigm, the E-Journal subscriptions and access models allow
only licensing of the content or product for a stipulated period of time which has several
restrictions and bindings on the licensee. The issue of licensing is however much more
technical and requires intervention from experts in the area, so the consortia ensures they
get knowledgeable representative in these matters. There are a number of issues under
debate between librarians, users and publishers which need international attention and
solution. Among these are, archiving and perpetual access to these journals.
1.2.5.6 Archival Issues
This is an area which needs utmost attention. However, this is yet to be attended to by
most consortia. Long term preservation of the invaluable wealth of information being
accumulated by the consortium is to be archived and preserved for posterity. As the
technology is fast changing and also getting obsolete almost at the same pace, it is high
time that these costly information resources are carefully archived and preserved on a
long term basis. As mentioned earlier, consortia also help in the negotiation of prices
whereby it enables the members to get better deals in terms of prices due to bulk buying.
Through consortia, members can have access to many e-journals as all members, despite
of size and needs, have access to the same resources. It is also the role of the consortia to
ensure its growth by publicizing its services to non- members so that they can become
members.
10
1.2.5.7 Perpetual Access
This refers to the right to ongoing access to electronic materials. Perpetual access is a
term that is used within the library community to describe the ability to retain access to
electronic journals after the contractual agreement for these materials has passed. In
situations where digital materials are licensed, access to these materials is often lost after
the licensing agreement has expired. In many cases the two parties involved in the license
agree that it is necessary for the licensee to retain access to these materials after the
license has lapsed.
Perpetual access is a term that is used within the library community to describe the ability
to retain access to electronic journals after the contractual agreement for these materials
has passed. Typically when a library licenses access to an electronic journal, the journal
contents remains in the possession of the licensor. The library often purchases the rights
to all back issues as well as new issues. When the license elapses, access to all the journal
contents is lost. In a typical print model, the library purchases the journals and owns
them. In order to retain access to journals that were released during the term of a license
for digital electronic journals, the library must obtain perpetual access rights.
Perpetual access is closely related to digital archiving, which is the preservation of
electronic documents. Often, if an institution is to retain perpetual access it must design a
way in which to preserve the electronic documents that are granted by the license.
Several initiatives have developed methods in which to retain electronic documents and
11
retain perpetual access. The most notable of these is the LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep
Stuff Safe) program, the Dspace repository program, and the Ithaka Portico program.
1.2.5.7a LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe), a project under the auspices of
Stanford University develops and supports an open source system allowing libraries to
collect, preserve and provide their readers with access to material published on the Web.
The system attempts to replicate the way libraries do this for material published on paper.
It was originally designed for scholarly journals, but is now also used for a range of other
materials. Examples include the SOLINET project to preserve theses and dissertations at
the member universities, and the MetaArchive project preserving at-risk digital content
about the culture and history of the American South.
1.2.5.7b DSpace is an open source software package that provides the tools for
management of digital assets, and is commonly used as the basis for an institutional
repository. It supports a wide variety of data, including books, theses, 3D digital scans of
objects, photographs, film, video, research data sets and other forms of content. The data
is arranged as community collections of items, which bundle bit streams together.
1.2.5.7c Ithaka Portico Program began as the Electronic-Archiving Initiative launched
by JSTOR in 2002. Portico provides libraries and publishers with a reliable, cost-
effective solution to one of the most critical challenges facing the scholarly community
today—ensuring that the electronic resources you rely on everyday will be accessible to
future researchers, scholars, and students.
12
1.3 The Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC)
The Kenya Library and information Services Consortium (KLISC) is an initiative of
International Networks for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP). KLISC
was established in 2003 with the main objective of collective subscription to electronic
resources to cope with the increasing cost of information resources. Subsequently, it was
agreed that the Consortium would draw its membership from university libraries,
research institutions, and public/national libraries. Since its inception, the Secretariat of
the Consortium has been based at the University of Nairobi library. The vision of KLISC
is to realize unlimited access to knowledge and information resources while the mission
is to provide leadership and building of synergy in knowledge and information sharing
through capacity building, advocacy, networking and collaborations.
1.3.1 KLISC Membership
The membership of KLISC has been steadily growing since its inception. Currently its
membership has risen to sixty two. It draws its members from local universities both
public and private, research institutions, and other institutional libraries. The following
are the members of KLISC:
13
Table 1.1: KLISC’S Membership
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Egerton University
Jomo Kenyata University of
Agriculture & Technology
Kenyatta University
Moi University
Maseno University
Masinde Muliro University of
Science & Technology
University of Nairobi
Multi-Media university
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
African Nazarene University
Daystar University
Kenya Methodist University
Kabaraka university
Aga Khan University
Great Lakes University of Kisumu
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
St. Paul‘s University
Mt. Kenya University
United States International University
Catholic University of East Africa
Baraton University
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES
KCA University
Marist International College
Mombasa Polytechnic University college
Kenya Polytechnic University College
Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of
Theology
Inoorero University college
Pan Africa Christian University
Narok University College
Presbyterian University
Tangaza College- The Catholic University of
East Africa
b) Middle colleges
Kenya Institute of Management
Kenya Medical Training College
Kenya School of Monetary Studies
Kenya College of Insurance
Discipleship College
Kenya Armed Forces Training College
Presbyterian Church of East Africa Pastoral
Institute
Bandari college
National Defence college
c) National Government/public/institution
Kenya Institute of Education (KIE)
Kenya National Library Services
14
PIONEER INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITIES
Strathmore University
Australian Studies Institute (AUSI)
NON-UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTIONS
a) Research institutions
African Population and Health
Research Centre
International Centre of Insect
Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
International Livestock Research
Institute (ILRI)
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
(KARI)
Kenya Forestry Research Institution
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research
Institute
Kenya Medical Research Institute
World Agro-forestry centre
African Research and Resource
Forum
African Medical Research Foundation
L ‗institute Francois de Recherche
Afrique (IFRA)
IUCN/SSC African Elephant
specialist Group
Kenya Revenue Authority
Communications Commission of Kenya
Commission for Higher Education (CHE)
Kenya Wildlife Service
Ministry of Information & Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
National Economy and Social Council
Kenya National Human Rights Commission
15
1.3.2 KLISC’s Objectives are as follows:
To develop and improve cooperation and understanding among member libraries
To work towards the creation and promotion of virtual libraries
To enhance the provision of learning resources and access to information
To subscribe to electronic resources for consortium members
To encourage and support the professional development of libraries
To forge cooperation with foreign and international library consortia and other
relevant organizations and institutions
To encourage adoption of ICT services among member institutions
To market KLISC among upcoming research and academic institutions
To provide a forum for sharing information and experiences
To develop cooperative acquisition schemes among members
To promote intellectual freedom
1.3.3 KLISC Management
KLISC is run by an executive steering committee comprising of the following:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Vice Secretary
Treasurer
Programme Coordinator
16
KLISC‘s management structure comprises of:
Advisory Board
Executive Committee
Programme Committees
1.3.4 Partnership
KLISC partners with INASP and also benefits from eIFL
1.3.4.1 INASP
INASP stands for International Networks for the Availability of Scientific Publications.
Its work focuses on communication, knowledge and networks, with particular emphasis
on the needs of developing and emerging countries. INASP was established by the
International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) in 1992, and was registered as a UK
charity in 2004. Based in Oxford and governed by an international Board of Trustees,
INASP is run by a small number of full-time staff working with, and through, partners
and networks in over one hundred countries. They work with 23 partner countries and
over 80 network of countries around the world. INASP's work is funded by its partner
countries, governmental and non-governmental development agencies, and philanthropic
foundations. One of INASP's programmes is the Programme for the Enhancement of
Research Information (PERI). PERI was the second five-year phase of INASP's
Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information. PERI facilitated access to e-
journals through subsidized procurement to Kenyan universities and research institutions.
Focusing on the needs of developing and emerging countries, PERI works with partners
17
to support global research communication through knowledge exchange, network
building and capacity strengthening. This programme encourages consortium building
and helps the consortium through negotiating on its behalf. In Kenya, KLISC is a
beneficiary of the PERI programme. INASP's work focuses on communication,
knowledge and networks, with particular emphasis on the needs of developing and
emerging countries. They respond to their national priorities for: access to national and
international scholarly information and knowledge; capacities to use, create, manage and
communicate scholarly information and knowledge via appropriate ICTs; and national,
regional and international co-operation, networking and knowledge exchange. They also
advise and advocate for improved policy and practice in achieving sustainable and
equitable development through effective communication, knowledge and networks.
PERI as a programme of INASP, focuses on the needs of people in developing and
emerging countries. PERI works with partners to support global research communication
by further strengthening: the knowledge and skills of people working in research
communication; participation in international knowledge networks; and research
communication policy and practice. Taking advantage of the possibilities offered by
ICTs, the core programme areas focus on: access to international scholarly literature;
successful writing, publishing and communication of research from developing and
emerging countries; effective use, evaluation and management of ICTs to support
research; development of modern, digital research libraries; and advice and advocacy
around the role of research communication and the people engaged in it for sustainable
and equitable development.
18
In Kenya, PERI facilitated access to e-journals through subsidized procurement for
Kenyan universities and research institutions. Since most of the institutions had been
connected to the Internet through Kenya Education Network (KENET) project, KLISC
was formed comprising of universities and research institutions to maximize on the
utilization of the e-journals. The consortium subscribes to over 42 online resources and
databases globally. In Kenya, there are big users, small users and non users but all with
expressed need for the e-resource within their education and research institutions
(Shibada, 2006).
The high cost of printed journals has generated low output of research in Africa.
Research is one of the main activities of African universities besides teaching, learning
and extension service processes. PERI has helped to overcome the challenges of
accessing research literature for scholars in Africa. Through PERI, all public and private
Universities including research institutions can access e-journals. Gearing to support
research in Africa, PERI has four in-built programme component of e-journal capacity
building involving e-journal procurement, Internet training, journal online programme
and journal management workshops (Shibanda, 2006).
1.3.4.2 eIFL
eIFL stands for Electronic Information for Libraries. eLFL.net is a not for profit
organisation that supports and advocates for the wide access of electronic resources by
library users in transitional and developing countries. Its core activities are negotiating
affordable subscriptions on a multi-country consortial basis, supporting national library
consortia and maintaining a global knowledge sharing and capacity building network in
19
related areas, such as open access publishing, intellectual property rights, and open
source. KLISC is a beneficiary of eIFL services.
1.4 Statement of the Problem
Information revolution has posed several problems which have far reaching implications
in the society. This is partly due to the massive proliferation of information, leading to
information management problems, as well as the realization that information is power
and only those who harness it can make progress. This is demonstrated by the fact that
the most developed countries have also invested heavily in information. Among these are
USA, Britain and Japan. This investment however, has to be in the way which will ensure
generation of information and placing it in the public domain for all to utilize. Research is
the only sure way of ensuring this and thus the need to empower the research institutions
and universities in a country through constant supply of journals. Journals constitute the
best source of information for researchers. However, they are also very expensive to
acquire and many institutions struggle to avail a reasonable number of these to their
users. One of the reasons is the high cost of printed journals which has generated low
output of research in Africa. Another reason is that libraries and other information
services in general have a low priority, that is, when money is scarce and priorities are
realigned, the library and information systems always find their schemes left out, or at
best delayed. It is because of this phenomenon that the concept of library consortium has
developed.
20
Through consortia libraries are able to access electronic information resources at low
costs through bulk buying and negotiated prices. However, to provide these resources
there are requirements and conditions which libraries have to meet. These requirements
pose great challenges to libraries. The challenges can be explained within the poor
quality services and the low levels of e-journal exploitation among the members of
consortia. Moreover many libraries are still unable to join the consortia even when they
know their advantages. This situation is exemplified by poor output in research
publications and ineffective dissemination of information in libraries.
1.5 Aim of the Study
The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of KLISC in the provision of
information resources in consortium libraries in Kenya with a view to proposing ways
and means of enhancing its performance.
1.6 Objectives of the Study
The study sought to fulfill the following objectives:
1. To investigate activities of KLISC in the provision of electronic information
resources in Kenya.
2. To establish the need for e-resources in consortium libraries.
3. To ascertain the extent to which KLISC has assisted in the provision of e-
information resources to consortium libraries in the country.
4. To establish the problems experienced by consortium libraries in accessing
electronic information resources.
21
5. To propose solutions to improve provision of e-resources to consortium
libraries.
1.7 Research Questions
The study endeavoured to address the following questions:
1. How does KLISC carry out its activities in the provision of electronic
information resources to libraries in Kenya?
2. Why are electronic resources important to member libraries?
3. What kind of support do consortium libraries expect from KLISC?
4. What are the challenges experienced by consortium libraries in accessing
electronic information resources?
5. What should be done to improve access of electronic information resources in
libraries in Kenya?
1.8 Assumptions of the Study
The study was guided by the following assumptions:
1. KLISC members lack the necessary ICT infrastructure required for the
provision of electronic information resources.
2. The consortium members have not benefited much from KLISC.
3. The librarians in member libraries of the consortium do not have the necessary
skills to effectively provide electronic information resources and services.
22
1.9 Significance of the Study
The study was conducted to investigate the provision of electronic resources in libraries
in Kenya through KLISC. Availability of Electronic resources has benefited most
academic, research and other libraries in Kenya in providing access to scientific
information to their patrons.
The findings of this study are significant in the following ways:
1.9.1 Theoretical Significance
The study has provided a knowledge base on the activities of KLISC and how it conducts
its affairs, the kind of members served and the kind of information services offered.
These findings can be used by libraries that are not members but in need of this kind of
services to make informed decisions on whether or not to join KLISC.
The study has showed how KLISC has benefited its members through provision of
electronic resources and also has documented information on challenges encountered in
providing electronic information services. This knowledge can be used to come up with
counteractive measures to overcome the challenges and improve the effectiveness of
provision of e-information to libraries in Kenya.
It is hoped that the study will encourage libraries in Kenya to embrace use of consortia by
becoming members of the existing consortium or forming new ones in order to reap its
benefits.
23
The study has also identified gaps for further research.
1.9.2 Practical Significance
The study has provided recommendations on how to deal with the challenges. This, if
implemented, can improve the services to the end users of the member libraries.
1.9.3 Policy Related Significance
The study has provided information which can assist in formulation of guidelines for
resource sharing among all libraries in Kenya.
1.10 Scope of the Study
The study involved all the member libraries of KLISC in Kenya at the time of proposal
writing. The members included public university libraries, private university/international
libraries, university colleges, research libraries, middle college libraries, and
institution/government/national libraries, hereafter referred to as others. This gives a total
of 63 libraries from which a sample of 50 was drawn. (See section 3.5)
1.11 Limitations of the Study
1.11.1 Study Coverage
Diverse geographical coverage of the study due to the scattering of KLISC members in
Kenya was a major challenge. To overcome this challenge the data collection period was
extended by one month.
24
1.11.2 Lack of Cooperation
The researcher also experienced problems from a few respondents who were not willing
to provide information. In one case information was sought from another colleague who
was willing. For others it took a bit of persuasion.
1.11.3 Use of a Recording Machine
Another hitch was on the use of a recording machine as a form of recording data. The
researcher found that some of the respondents were not comfortable with it. This was
overcome through assuring respondents of the confidentiality of the information collected
which made them accept it.
1.12 Definition of Terms and Concepts
Aggregation: Bundling up of journal articles so that buyers get more cheaply than they
would if they were to subscribe to individual titles.
Bibliographical Database: A bibliographic database is a database of bibliographic
records. It "contains references to published literature, including journal and newspaper
articles, conference proceedings and papers, reports, government and legal publications,
patents, books, etc (wiki)
Click-through: In relation to licensing, this refers to non-negotiated licensing.
Consortial licensing: This is licensing through the consortium as opposed to licensing by
individual members.
Diversity of user needs: Varied or different user needs.
25
Document delivery: The physical transfer of the loaned materials to those who have
borrowed them.
Electronic archives: provision of permanent access to information especially if that
information exists only in electronic form.
Financial crunch: This means an economic crisis.
Information explosion: A term used to describe the rapidly increasing amount of
published information and the effects of this abundance of data. As the amount of
available data grows, managing the information becomes more difficult, which can lead
to information overload.
Information overload: Refers to the state of having too much information to make a
decision or remain informed about a topic. (New world encyclopedia).
Library cooperation: Cooperation is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as
―…working together to the same end, purpose or effect.
Litigation: Business dictionary (online), defines litigation as the Ultimate legal method
for settling controversies or disputes between and among persons, organizations, and the
State.
Meta consortium: Refers to a consortium of consortia or a cooperation of consortia.
Monograph: A scholarly piece of writing of essay of book length on a specific, often
limited subject. (answers.com)
Networking: The establishment of relationships at either the level of the individual or the
institution, for the achievement of common goals. In librarianship it covers cataloging,
acquisition, bibliographic control, data exchange, interlibrary lending and staff training.
26
Nordic countries: Nordic countries make up a region in Northern Europe and the North
Atlantic which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (all of which
use a Nordic Cross flag) and their associated territories which include the Faroe Islands,
Greenland, Svalbard and Åland.
Online resources: These are information resources which can be accessed through a web
or internet. They include bibliographic databases, electronic reference books, search
engines for full text collections, digital collections of data and data sets.
Perpetual access: Refers to the right to ongoing access to electronic materials. In
situations where digital materials are licensed, access to these materials is often lost after
the licensing agreement has expired. In many cases the two parties involved in the license
agree that it is necessary for the licensee to retain access to these materials after the
license has lapsed.
User Interface: The user interface allows the user to communicate with the operating
system through the keyboard, mouse, and menus of a computer system.
27
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews literature related to the research topic. The chapter entails extensive and
thorough location, reading and evaluation of information materials to collect pertinent
information to answer the research question. Information was gathered from various information
sources including journal articles, books, and conference proceedings among others in both print
and electronic format. The usefulness of literature review is to gain knowledge and
understanding of the research area. The chapter is divided into two sections. Section one covers
the theoretical framework upon which this study is based, while section two reviews the literature
covering the broader areas of the research.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
A framework is simply a structure of ideas or concepts and how it is put together. A theory is a
reasoned statement or groups of statements, which are supported by evidence, meant to explain
phenomena. A theoretical framework, therefore, is an attempt to show the existence of self-
formulated theories in so far as they relate to the research objectives and questions in connection
with variables and propositions. According to Kombo and Tromp (2006), a theoretical framework
is a collection of interrelated ideas based on theories which accounts for or explains phenomena.
This study was informed by the Environmental Economic Networking Model (Kaul
2001) which was developed by the Environmental Economic Unit of the Institute of
Economic Growth in India to share and disseminate knowledge among interested
individuals and organisations.
28
Figure 2.1: Environmental Economic Networking Model (Kaul 2001)
Source: adapted from Kaul 2001 pp 21
A network can be local, regional, national or international. It serves as an electronic
transfer of information between two or more points irrespective of distance. The model
that was used for networking as well as resource sharing in Environmental Economics is
given in Figure1. The Network exists in three stages.
29
In first stage, the model of resource sharing includes the following:
- Interlinking between National & International Institute/University/Organisation
in the field of Environmental studies.
- One of the national level institutes takes initiative, for example, Institute of
Economic Growth (IEG) to act as a hub or central node for coordinating all
networking activities.
- The central node gets information from the national level institutions as well as
international institutes in the field of environmental studies.
At the second stage, the central node accumulates information from all participating
institutions of national and international level to be disseminated to regional level
institutions/universities and others. To make this process of information dissemination
more effective and useful, a two-way communication is encouraged.
At the third stage, after the networking among international, national and regional,
institutions/ university situated at regional level will disseminate information to the local
level Institutions/ University, which also includes Non Governmental Organisations.
It’s Relevance to the Study
For networking and resource sharing in a consortium, the model would develop in three
stages.
30
At the first stage, it involve the following:
Interlinking between the electronic information resources publishers/ aggregators/vendors
and sponsors/international organizations as well as the consortium which acts as the hub
or the central node for coordinating all the network activities.
At the second stage, the consortium and the sponsors negotiate the prices and oversees
the licensing process between the consortium and the publishers/aggregators/vendors.
The member libraries are connected to the databases from all the participating
publishers/aggregator/vendors.
At the third stage, the libraries provide access to the electronic information resources to
the end users
2.3 Conceptual Framework
A concept is an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances. A
concept can also be a word or phrase that symbolizes several interrelated ideas.
Conceptualization is inventing an idea or explanation and formulating it mentally. A
conceptual framework, therefore, can be said to be a set of broad ideas and principles
taken from relevant fields of enquiry and used to structure a subsequent presentation. In
this relation, there are independent variables and dependent variables. The independent
variables in connection to this study are consortium building, ICT infrastructure building,
consortial price negotiations and licensing. The dependent variables are increased access,
cost saving, and reduced storage cost. The following is a conceptual frame work for this
study:
31
Independent variables Dependent variables
Figure 2.2: Conceptual Framework
The Difference between Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
A conceptual framework occurs when a researcher links concepts from literature to
establish evidence to support the need for the research question. If somebody else has
already linked these concepts with valid research, they made a theoretical framework
which can be used as a ―ready- made map‖ for other scientists to guide their own research
question. In other words, conceptual framework relates to the type of ideas a researcher
will be discussing while theoretical framework relates to how the researcher will be
discussing those ideas. (answers.com)
2.4 Related Studies
Consortium Building
ICT Infrastructure
Price Negotiation
Licensing
Cost Saving
Increased Access
electerreresour
Reduced Storage Cost
32
2.4.1 Historical Development of Consortia
Although the idea of cooperation has been in existence for many years now, library
consortium is still at its nascent stage in many countries. Being an emerging development
where the number of participating libraries is increasing everyday, much attention is
placed on library consortia and consequently a good amount of literature has been written
about it. USA is often seen as the home of consortia or ‗networks‖ as they were formally
known. Regional networks developed as early as the 1930s as a means for distributing
state funds for libraries (Wade, 1999). In 1970S OCLC (then, Ohio College Library
Centre) was established and at the same time other networks developed in Canada, UK,
and Australia for the purpose of sharing MARC cataloguing data (Wade, 1999). Other
reasons for development of these networks were to facilitate borrowing or collection
sharing, sharing of library systems and facilitation of state funding which favoured
regional networks as opposed to individual libraries.
In connection to modern consortia, most of the literature is on case studies determining
the feasibility aspects of consortia. Nfila & Darko-Ampen (2002) traces the history of
library consortium from 1960‘s through 2000 and reports that in 1997, the International
Coalition of Library Consortium (ICOLC) was formed. Rao (2001) reports about the
status of the existing library and information networks in India. Mclean (1999) examined
the characteristics underpinning resource sharing among university libraries in Australia
and on how the information revolution posses global challenges in terms of infrastructure
and use of internet. He argues that Australia lack resource coordination at the national
level, but several important initiatives were underway.
33
Ashoor (2000) suggests a few guidelines for the Arabian Gulf regions and concludes that
libraries in the region should enter into partnership to establish consortium. Giordano
(2002) traces the history of information communication technologies in Italian libraries
with reference to library networks and digital cooperation initiatives. Fordyce (2004)
wrote an article on ‗New Zealand University Library Acquisitions Consortium for the
supply of print monograph resources‘ where the author discusses different consortium
related issues. The Committee of New Zealand University Librarians Acquisitions
Consortium (CONZULAC) was developed to gain maximum value from expenditure on
print monograph resources, to achieve operating efficiencies and to improve levels of
service.
There are other instances of several libraries coming together voluntarily for mutual
benefit of respective users, just like cooperatives, which was the earliest stage of library
cooperation. In the second stage, computerized networks came into vogue for sharing of
resources which were at the time, mainly in traditional printed format. The networks
created and shared their bibliographical databases. The users of the participating libraries
could get the required documents from other libraries through delivery services. With the
advent of e-resources, the concept of the consortia has been mooted mainly for
acquisition of e-journals. Through consortium, it has become possible for users to access
and download the required materials without even going through the elaborate process of
inter-library lending.
34
The cooperation has gone further to include provision of database services from servers
owned by the consortium. More recent incentive for collaboration has been facilitated by
new and long awaited developments in technology, most notably virtual union catalogues
using the Z39.50 protocol and web based client initiated interlibrary loan requesting
(Wade, 1999). This is facilitated by international standards for interlibrary loan
requesting. This requires implementation of interlibrary loan software in which each
library in a group purchases the same software and operating it on a local system or a
group of libraries shares the same software on a shared system. The main motivation
behind all this is the sharing of increasingly expensive library collections in the most
cost-effective manner for mutual benefit and general cost saving (Hirshon, 1998).
Due to quick advancement in technology in the 1990s, there emerged a new and powerful
major motivation to form smaller groups for the purpose of pooling of purchasing and
negotiations power for electronic database licenses and services (wade, 1999). This
motivation was in form of consortium building and a lot has been written in this regard.
Most of the literature is on case studies determining the feasibility aspects of consortia.
(Nfila & Darko-Ampen, (2002) traces the history of library consortium from 1960‘s
through 2000 and reports that in 1997, an international association of library consortium
was formed. (Rao, 2001) reports about the status of the existing library and information
networks in India. (Mclean, 1999) examined the characteristics underpinning resource
sharing among university libraries in Australia and how the information revolution posses
global challenges in terms of infrastructure and use of internet. It is argued that Australia
35
lack resource coordination at the national level, but several important initiatives are
underway.
Hormia-Poutanen et al. (2006), discusses the consortia models in Europe and the
following are consortia among those discussed. FinElib of Finland which was established
in 1997; HEAL-LINK of Greece established in 1998; NEICON in Russia established in
2002; and NOWAL, CHILL and CURL of UK.
In Africa, South Africa takes the lead in consortia development. According to Thomas
and Flourie (2006), in his paper about academic Library consortia in South Africa, the
initial development period of establishment of consortia in South Africa was between
1992-1998, a period within which, five regional academic consortia were established.
These are CALICO, SEALS, ESAL, GAELIC AND FRELICO. In East Africa, there is
probably the least record of development of consortia. To date, only three library
consortia exist, one in each country. According to Were (2010), these are CUUL OF
Uganda, COTUL of Tanzania, and KLISC of Kenya
.
There are different types of consortia, small and large, formal and informal. These
together with the regional networks have joined to form consortia of consortia such as the
International coalition of Library consortia (ICOLC) which is an informal consortium
with over 200 members from all over the world
36
2.4.2 Role of a Library Consortium in The Provision of Electronic Information
Resources
―A library consortium is a formal association of libraries, not under the same institutional
control, but usually restricted to a geographical area, number of libraries, types of
materials, or subject interest, which is established to develop and implement resource
sharing among members‖ (Marty, 2002). The objective of library consortia is to control
and reduce information costs, to improve resource sharing, to develop cooperation and a
networked information environment (e.g. via campus systems, campus networks, and the
Internet), and to share licensing issues with each other (Hirshon, 1998).
2.4.3 Library Co-Operation and Networking
Due to economical factors all over the world, libraries cannot be comprehensive in their
collections. They cannot also pretend to be islands unto themselves. Moreover,
cooperation is not a feature of the weak and poor economically but a necessity to every
library big or small, rich or poor. Even in countries where funding is not problematic, co-
operative ventures which promote resource sharing operate. A good example is the
Library of Congress (LC), the USA‘s National library and the largest in terms of
collection which borrows from other libraries. This is a living proof that co-operation is
an essential facet of modern library management. It is a common feature in most western
countries which are also known to be the most developed and rich countries in the world
(Gorman and Cullen, 2000).
Libraries have long recognized the need for co-operation. This is mainly due to the
realization that no library is self sufficient to stand alone and be able to meet the
37
information needs of its users. That is why there is now a growing awareness that
organizations must work together to optimize the use of resources. With the continuing
increase in the number of items being published, both in traditional hard copy and
electronically, and the need for users to get the most up-to-date information, no library is
now able to meet the existing and potential information needs of all its users (Pilling,
2000). Libraries are now being compelled by the prevailing circumstances such as;
budget cuts, response time for services, obsolete equipment, untrained personnel, out-of-
date collections, and generally, weakened services to form a united front that would make
it possible to provide adequate solutions to common problems (Marty, 2002).
Cooperation is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as ―…working together to the
same end, purpose or effect‖. This implies a need to establish full agreement among all
participants on the exact aims and objectives of the proposed cooperation (Parke, 1976).
In an attempt to understand the phenomena, Reynolds (1974) and Kaplan (1973)
attempted to distinguish between cooperative activities from everyday activities of
librarians, whilst Batubo (1988) defined cooperation as the pooling together of resources
of two or more libraries to satisfy user needs. On top of this, Markuson (1979) adds that
cooperation also is an activity to promote and enhance library operations. In addition,
Lindenfield (1984) identified four factors that facilitate cooperation as: common needs;
resources to be shared; understanding the role of each participant; and willingness of
cooperating members to adopt new policies and procedures.
38
2.4.3.1 Purpose of Library Cooperation
Simpson (1990) identifies three reasons for library cooperation as: it enhances the quality
of services that a library provides; it produces a sense of accomplishment and
involvement; and reduces the expenditure of individual libraries. On the other hand,
Lowrey (1990) identifies the reason why libraries should cooperate as: no library has the
resources to satisfy all the needs of its users; cooperation will help provide the resources
to meet those needs (Pinkerton, 1984); libraries have democratic responsibility to
minimize the gap between the information rich and the information poor (Heath, 1989)
.
2.4.3.2 Barriers to Cooperation
Woodsworth (1991) pointed out that the attitudes of people could make or break
cooperation. Negative attitudes could arise from: the custodial mentality of libraries; fear
of loss of autonomy; clash of personalities; jealousy and stubbornness; inertia and
indifferences; complacency and self-satisfaction; mistrust between libraries and
librarians; and the assumption that each library has unique, rather than common needs
and goals.
2.4.4 Networking
Generally speaking, networking may refer to the establishment of relationships at either
the level of the individual or the institution, for the achievement of common goals. In
librarianship it covers cataloging, acquisition, bibliographic control, data exchange,
interlibrary lending and staff training. In a nut shell, the main objective of resource
39
sharing is to maximize the availability of materials and services and to minimize
expenses. Networking can be formal or informal. It can also be at the level of the
individual where, for instance, researchers with similar research interest, but living in
different countries or even in the same organization may decide to work together by
making information available for each other.
Networking is not an entirely new concept in librarianship. Libraries have from time
immemorial shared information and have undertaken co-operative ventures for the
benefit of the group. This is a fact that needs to be stressed. Formal and informal co-
operation have existed in the information field for many decades. Libraries have created
associations to carry out joint projects, or to share resources and services. But these
associations have tended to focus on a single, specific goal, for example: collective
catalogues; photocopying services; interlibrary loans; training; and professional updating,
etc. (Coto and Gil, 2000). In the UK, for example, the National Central Library was
operating in 1916 and in the USA libraries have participated in formal and informal
lending programmes for even longer (Elkington and Massie, 2000).
2.4.4.1 Benefits of Networking
Networking in library and information systems provides a wider access to collections,
improves public and technical services and enhances operations by sharing resources,
reducing duplication and offering more cost-effective services (Khalid, 1997). These are
but some of the benefits that participating institutions may derive from networking. Other
benefits are:
sharing experiences;
40
creating sources for resources:
developing strategic alliances;
facilitating and promoting collaboration and co-operation so that libraries can
improve and expand access and distribution to information resources; and
training and development of professional librarians.
Networking has been facilitated by the application of ICTs in the information provision
environment. Use of ICTs has revolutionized the way information is created, organized,
stored, disseminated and used. The technology has impacted on provision of information
by making it easy for libraries to cooperate through networking. Networking between
cooperating libraries allows use of common library information systems which in turn
allow networked libraries to share resources especially electronic resources. This is very
important because information resources are very expensive to acquire especially the
journals. It is in this light that library consortia are being regarded as the best way
forward for libraries to continue providing information to meet the needs of the patrons.
2.4.5 Resource Sharing
Basically consortia are being formed for resource sharing. Resource sharing is not a new
concept among libraries. Most libraries, in one way or another, share their resources with
other libraries. Resource sharing requires libraries to work together in order to satisfy the
needs of their users. Odini (1993) sees resource sharing as a term used by institutions
working together for the benefit of users. This sharing also enables users to maximally
use available resources not just within their libraries but also from other cooperating
41
libraries. This also helps the participating members to achieve their objectives at the same
time cutting cost through the cooperation or the partnership mechanism.
The essence of this is that no library however rich in financial or bibliographic resources
can ever expect to purchase or meet all the demands of its clients. In other words, no
library is totally self-sufficient or an island by itself, even if it has countless millions of
volumes or thousands of journals. The reason for this disparity between demand and
supply of information materials can be attributed to the diversity of user needs and the
dynamic nature of these needs. As the world evolves, and new discoveries are made, so
do the needs for information. Information is now being seen as the driving force for
development and only those with the most adequate, up-to-date and timely information
will make it. The best way forward, therefore, is for libraries to abandon the ―Empire
Building‖ approach in libraries and utilize the synergy of cooperation. In the view of
dwindling resources and increasing donor fatigue, information centers should establish
proper working relations.
Resource sharing also involves sharing of staff and cooperating libraries can assist those
who lack technically skilled personnel through exchange of staff. This is of great
importance because like any other resource, staffing is expensive and many libraries
cannot afford. Staffing is like any other resource, like books, and therefore should not be
ignored when discussing resource sharing (William, 1978).
42
2.4.5.1Types of Resource Sharing
2.2.5.1a Interlibrary Lending and Document Delivery
Interlibrary lending is the oldest form of resource sharing. Information workers have been
known to practice interlibrary lending as far back as the year 200 BC when the library at
Alexandria loaned books to the library at Pergamum. It is therefore the most common
activity amongst cooperating libraries. Through interlibrary lending, libraries exchange
information materials through mutual understanding and in actual fact interlibrary
loaning is the core of library cooperation. Document delivery on the other hand is the
physical transfer of the loaned materials to those who have borrowed them. It is part and
parcel of resource sharing and ensures that documents not available to users at one point
are sent to them from wherever they are available. Interlibrary lending and document
delivery can only be achieved if there exists a form of cooperation between libraries with
unmet needs or services. (Marty, 2002).
However, according to Ayre (2006), there are six trends that could affect library delivery
services. These are: increasing availability of library holding in shared catalogues, growth
of patron-initiated borrowing, development of tools to display library holdings in non-
library applications, increased availability of electronic material, increased service level
demands caused by competing information providers and aggregation of supply and
demand. He continues to contend that the current problem with delivery programmes is
lack of integration with the circulation function which would ensure inclusion of delivery
into the hands of users. In other words, delivery would become patron-initiated as
opposed to library mediated. A group convened by ALA in 2005 to discuss resource
43
sharing, agree with Ayre by observing that ―the library world is nearing the end of an era
of mediated resource sharing‖. This means material delivery will change from moving
materials from library to library and deliver materials direct to the users.
2.4.5.1b Shared Acquisition
Acquisition is a library function aimed at developing the collection of a library. Libraries
experience a lot of problems when trying to develop the collection. One of the major
problems is inadequate funds. Libraries all over the world experience diminishing
budgets. This function also involves other activities like cataloging, classification,
lending and staffing. Shared acquisition helps in cutting cost for individual members and
reduces unnecessary duplication. Joined purchase allows sharing of cost of expensive
materials (Odini, 1993).
2.4.5.1c Exchange of Personnel
Due to lack of funds, majority of libraries in developing countries experience shortage of
adequate and qualified personnel. This reduces effectiveness and efficiency of service
delivery to the clientele. Through resource sharing libraries can exchange personnel and
assist those libraries with less qualified personnel to benefit from the expertise of their
qualified counterparts. These will provide their technical skills to the disadvantaged
libraries. The personnel can also participate in sharing of ideas through seminars,
workshops, and conference, both external and internal.
44
2.4.6 Licensing
The issues of licensing are very important when it comes to accessing electronic
information resources. A license is an agreement between the publishers or aggregators
and the consortium or a library. Licensing is to electronic documents as ordering and
paying is to print materials. It is only through licensing agreements that provision of
electronic documents is possible. Licensing requires the ability to read contracts and
contract law (IFLA, 2009). Licensing basically involves two key players, the licensor
(publisher or aggregator) and licensee (the library or a consortium), but also requires a
mediator in form of a lawyer to help interpret the law as well as the jargon used in the
license agreement.
The imbalance in the relationship between a publisher and the library has necessitated the
need to protect the weaker party in the negotiations. It is for this reason that the European
association of library associations has demanded that a clause must be added into the
copyright directive under work in the European Union to deny contracts in which any
partner would be put in a weaker position than what is granted in the copyright law
(IFLA, 2009). There are also suggestions from IFLA CLM group to demand the contracts
to be in the language of the concerned country as opposed to the current situation where
English is mostly used.
The copyright legislation has a relation to licensing in that the copyright law gives the
limits in which there is no need for permitted use, licensing agreements and/or fees
(IFLA, 2009). However, copyright application varies from country to country and
45
concerns usually copying for private purposes, safety copying in libraries and archives,
copying for visually impaired or other handicapped among others.
2.4.6.1 License Agreement
Things to be agreed in a license agreement are e.g.:
Definitions
Choice of law v the Rights granted under the License
Usage Restrictions
Term and Termination
Delivery and Access to the Licensed Materials
License Fee
Licensee's (Library) Undertakings
Implementation and Evaluation
Warranties, Undertakings, Indemnities (IFLA, 2000).
Since licensing agreements are done under the contract law, librarians must get
acquainted with their national contract law. To be able to tell the provisions of use to
users, every librarian must know at least the basic things of licensing. License agreements
are very expensive, a feature which makes e-resources to be very expensive. Considering
the financial constraints faced by libraries, the question is who is to pay for the license
agreement. At the current situation, this could be by the libraries themselves, like in
German, Netherlands, and UK. In other places like the Nordic countries, this is being
catered for by government grants. The main strategy, however, is for libraries to join
46
forces to create licensing consortia which could be country-wide, state-wide, region-wide
or local, among a certain type of libraries (e.g. research or academic libraries).
2.4.6.2 Licensing Principles
According to IFLA 2001, the use of electronic information is defined and described by
contractual agreements, otherwise known as licenses. IFLA therefore presents the set of
thirty two principles that should prevail in the contractual relationship and written
contracts between libraries and information providers. The principles are as follows:
2.4.6.3 Licenses and the Law
This covers five principles as follows: Licenses represent an agreement between the
library that seeks to make an electronic resource available for its readers or constituents,
and a publisher or vendor who has the rights to such resources and seeks to make them
available in the library marketplace. License terms and conditions must be fully available
to customers in advance of their contracting for said resources. Every license is subject
to discussion of terms and to negotiation between the parties; in the case of "shrink-
wrapped" and "click-through" non-negotiated licenses, the terms should support public
policies in such areas as copyright, privacy, intellectual freedom, and consumer rights;
licenses (contracts) for information should not exclude or negatively impact on users of
the information or any statutory rights that may be granted by applicable copyright law;
the choice of applicable law should be acceptable for both parties. Preferably it should be
the national or state law of the licensee; and licenses should be negotiated and written in
the primary language of the library customer.
47
2.4.6.4 Licenses and Values
This covers principles six to nine as follows: the license agreement should be clear and
comprehensive, recognizing the needs of the concerned parties. In particular, important
terms should be defined so as to be clearly understood; the license should balance the
rights and responsibilities of both parties; the license should provide for remedy periods
and other modes of resolution before either cancellation or litigation is contemplated; and
the contracting parties should have the right to back out of the arrangement under
appropriate and defined circumstances.
2.4.6.5 Licenses: Access and Use
Here principles ten to seventeen are covered as follows: the license should provide access
for all of the users affiliated with a licensee, whether institution or consortium, regardless
of whether they are on the licensee's premises or away from them; the license should
provide access to individual, unaffiliated users when on the licensee's premises; the
license should provide access for geographically remote sites if they are part of the
licensee's organization; remote access should be provided by way of a web-based, user
friendly interface; data that is downloaded locally should be available in multiple
standard formats (example: PDF, HTML, and SGML), portable to all major computing
platforms and networked environments; at a minimum cost the license should permit
users to read, download, and print materials for their own personal purposes, without
restrictions; resources provided via remote access to providers' sites should be available
on a 24-hour basis, with appropriate "help" or service support, except for short scheduled
downtimes announced with adequate notice to the customer library(ies). Penalties may
48
accrue if service commitments are not met; and a high degree of content stability, both in
single and in aggregated resources, should be guaranteed and the institutional customer
should be notified of changes. Penalties may accrue if content commitments are not met.
2.4.6.6 Licenses and End Users
This covers principle eighteen to twenty one as follows: libraries should work with users
to educate them about proper use of electronic resources and take reasonable measures to
prevent unlawful use, as well as with providers to halt infringing activities if such
become known. Nonetheless, the library should not incur legal liability for actions of
individual users; it is not appropriate to ask the individual user to agree to a contract, such
as a "click" contract, where the institution/library has already made -- or may engage in
making -- an agreement on behalf of its patrons; users' privacy should be protected and
respected in the license and in any intervention made by information providers or
intermediaries; and the networked information provider should offer usage (as opposed to
user) data so that the library licensee may assess the effectiveness of the use of the
resource.
2.4.6.7 Licenses and Perpetual Access
This covers principle twenty two and twenty three as follows: a license should include
provision for affordable, perpetual access to the licensed information by some appropriate
and workable means; and a license should address provisions for long-term access and
archiving of the electronic information resource(s) under consideration and should
identify responsibilities for the following:
49
2.4.6.8 Licenses and Pricing
Principles twenty four to twenty eight are as follows: prices should be established so as to
encourage use rather than discourage it; prices should be fully disclosed with no hidden
charges; an unbundled (from print) price should be offered for electronic versions; a
bundled price may be offered as well where this offers advantages for the licensee; there
should be no penalty for cancelling print in order to take up the electronic version of a
resource; and requirements for non-disclosure of license terms are generally
inappropriate.
2.4.6.9 Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary covers principle twenty nine and thirty. They are as follows: provisions for
interlibrary loan or equivalent services should be included; and in general, libraries
should be able to deliver reasonable length extracts from licensed information to libraries
that have not signed a contract for that information for use by a specific patron.
2.4.6.10 Teaching and Learning
This covers principle thirty one and thirty two as follows: licenses should support local
teaching and learning efforts at all levels of education; and licensors should recognize the
affiliation of users with a given library or institution (especially distance learners)
50
2.4.7 Consortium Models
There are many hundreds and possibly thousands of library consortia around the world
which are organized along many different lines. These can be categorized into broad
categories of formal and informal. For the purpose of this study only models of formal
consortia will be discussed. Formal consortia own infrastructure and assets and they
apportion related costs and responsibilities. The ownership of infrastructure and
associated assets could also belong to member institutions. The available literature on
consortia discuss consortia models based on the following factors: geographical, funding,
membership and discipline- based. Literature also revealed that models used vary from
region to region. Some of them are discussed here below.
2.4.7.1 Membership Models
2.4.7.1a Open Consortia: This type of consortia is open ended and provides facility for
the libraries to join and leave as they please. In this case, publishers define a minimum
number of libraries for the consortium to take-off, at a specific rate per product. This type
of consortia are generally driven by small homogeneous groups who have a need to
cross-share the resources in a specific subject area. In India, INDEST, a consortium run
by the Ministry of HRD, GOI, is an example to this model.
2.4.7.1b Closed Group Consortia: The closed group consortium stays exclusive within
a defined group. This type of consortia emerges either by coalition, affiliation and
collaboration among them. Here the formation and operation of the consortia guidelines
51
and its administration are fairly simple and easy. Examples are CSIR, DAE and IIM of
India.
2.4.7.2 Funding Models
2.4.7.2a Centralized Funded Model: In this model, the very existence of the consortium
will solely depend on the central funding agency. The strength of this model is that the
financial responsibility of running the consortium is shouldered by the parent body.
Examples of this model are, INDEST, UGC INFONET, CSIR, and ICMR Consortia of
India.
2.4.7.2b Decentralized Funded Model: in this model no central body carries the funding
burden and therefore members decide on the mode of funding. This could be through
introduction of membership fee where each member library pays an annual fee
determined by the rate of use. In this model also each member can do independent
funding and sharing their resources with others.
2.4.7.2c Shared-Budget Model: In this model the participating libraries take the lead
and form the consortium.. The operational aspects of the consortium especially the
management of funds are individually handled. Entering into a Memorandum of
Understanding ( MoU) for a better and strong footing is always recommended for this
kind of a model. IIM and FORSA of India are examples of this model.
52
2.4.7.3 Geographical Models
2.4.7.3a International Consortium: This is a consortium which brings together various
consortia from all over the world to form a consortium of consortia. An example is the
International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) based in USA. It currently
comprises of over 200 library consortia from around the world.
2.4.7.3b National Consortium: In this kind of model, consortium is started to include all
the libraries in a country. An example is the FinElib of Finland which was established in
1997. (Hormia-Poutanen, et. al. 2006).
2.4.7.3c Regional Consortium: This model involves libraries from a specific region for
example a province or a state within a country. Good examples are the five academic
library consortia of South Africa. These are: Cape Library Consortium (CALICO) 1992;
Eastern Alliance of Library Systems (SEALS) 1998; Eastern Seaboard Association of
Libraries (esAL) 1997; Gauteng & Environs Library consortium (GEALIC) 1996; and
Free State Library & Information consortium (FRELICO) 1996/7.
2.4.7.4 Discipline-Based
These are library consortium started to serve a specific type of libraries e.g. academic,
research or public libraries. Examples are; Hellenic Academic Library Link (HEAL-
LINK) 1998 of Greece; Consortium of Health Independent Libraries in London (CHILL)
of UK; and Consortium of Research Libraries 2005 of UK. There are also inter-
disciplinary based consortia e.g. the National Electronic Information Consortium
53
(NEICON) of Russia whose members include universities, public libraries, academic
institutions and non commercial organizations. (Hormia-Poutanen et. al. 2006).
2.4.8 Standards
A consortium will require certain standards especially those required for information
sharing. Some are discussed below:
2.4.8.1 EZproxy which helps to provide users with remote access to Web-based
licensed content offered by libraries. It is middleware that authenticates library users
against local authentication systems and provides remote access to licensed content
based on the user‘s authorization. EZproxy is an easy to setup and maintain program. It
connects to a large number of content providers (including OCLC, FirstSearch,
EBSCO, Gale, etc.); it also connects to a wide variety of authentication services
(including LDAP, SIP, Athens and Shibboleth) which reduces the number of
authorizations/passwords and provides a better end-user experience. (oclc.org).
EZproxy is a web proxy server extensively used by libraries to give access from outside
the library's computer network to restricted-access websites that authenticate users by IP
address. This allows library patrons at home or elsewhere to log in through their library's
EZproxy server and gain access to bibliographic databases and the like to which their
library subscribes. EZproxy is a URL-rewriting program that works by dynamically
altering the URLs within the web pages provided by your database vendor. The server
names within the URLs of these web pages are changed to reflect your EZproxy server
54
instead, causing your users to return to the EZproxy server as they access links on these
web pages. The result is a seamless access environment for your users without the need
for automatic proxy configuration files. Previous proxy solutions were complex and
difficult to maintain, and when EZproxy was created, authentication systems like
Shibboleth were still far in the future. The software is sometimes confused with generic
proxy server software designed to control web access. It is sometimes referred to as a
"proxy referral" server to distinguish it. (wikipedia.org)
2.4.8.2 Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an application protocol for
accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an Internet
Protocol (IP) network.
2.4.8.3 Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol widely used for
controlling communication sessions such as voice and video calls over Internet Protocol
(IP). The protocol can be used for creating, modifying and terminating two-party
(unicast) or multiparty (multicast) sessions. Sessions may consist of one or several media
streams.
2.4.8.4 Shibboleth does not carry out authentication itself. Instead, Shibboleth defines a
set of protocols for the secure passing of identity information between institutions and
service providers. It relies on the institution to establish identity, and on the service
provider to confirm access rights, given information about institutional affiliation. It is
55
written in SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), an international standard
developed by the OASIS Security Services Technical Committee.
2.4.8.5 Athens interface prompts users for a username and password, and then uses that
information to establish access to Athens-protected services. Athens provides users with
single sign-on access to numerous web-based services.
2.4.9 Summary of Related Studies
Although cooperation among libraries has been in existence for decades, the phenomenal
growth of consortia over the past decade clearly has been fueled by the rapid
transformation made possible through technology. Today, many libraries are already a
part of one or more consortia, and those that are not are rapidly taking steps to develop
these strategic partnerships with other libraries. Although the consortium movement
initially was most pronounced in academic libraries, today public, school and even
corporate libraries are exploring new ways to provide shared services and to reduce their
costs through consortial purchasing. For this reason, many have mushroomed all over the
world, example, SANLIC of South Africa, FinElib of Finland, INDEST of India, CHILL
of UK, among others. Consortia vary in size and type of activities. There are also various
models of consortia whose classification could be geographical, financial, or discipline.
Consortia can be said to be growing organisms and undergo distinct developmental
stages. These stages are embryonic, early development, development, maturation and
disbanding stages.
56
Consortia has many benefits to offer to its members including but not limited to reduced
prices of electronic resources, constant availability of resources, and an opportunity to
network with others. On the other hand, consortia also face quite a number of challenges
such as infrastructure and licensing issues among others. Since consortia building is
aimed at increasing access to information resources especially in electronic format to
many, standards for sharing information are required. Some of those which have made
remarkable impact on consortia include EZproxy, LDAP and SIP.
57
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter covers research design, the study population, study sample, methods of data
collection, tools for data collection and methods of data analysis and presentation.
Research, according to Welman and Kruger (2001), is the application of various methods
and techniques in order to create scientifically obtained knowledge by using objective
methods and procedures. Kothari (2004 pp1), defines research as a scientific and
systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Research methodology
therefore is a way to systematically solve research problems (Kothari, 2004). Research
methodology involves the forms of data collection, analysis and interpretation that the
researchers propose for their studies (Creswell, 2009).
3.2 Research Design
A research design is the structure that holds together the research and enables one to
address research questions in ways that are appropriate, efficient and effective. Kothari
(2004) says ―a research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and
analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with
economy in procedure‖. He further adds that research design is the conceptual structure
within which research is conducted, and constitutes the blue print for the collection,
measurement and analysis of data.
58
The nature of research determines the methods to be used in collecting and analyzing
data. According to Creswell (2009), there are two main research paradigms which can be
used by researchers to carry out their research. These are qualitative and quantitative
research. He defines qualitative as a form of inquiry that explores phenomena in their
natural settings and uses multi-methods to interpret, understand and bring meaning to
them. While on the other hand, quantitative research focuses on measuring and testing
relationships between variables systematically and statistically.
3.3 Type of Research Design for the Study
The study used qualitative method of data collection. The study focused on collection of
in-depth information. Data was collected in form of text and verbal phrases. The
researcher collected data in the field where participants experienced the issues or
problems under study, in other words, in the natural settings. In this case, the natural set
up was the libraries themselves and the respondents were the librarians in charge of
acquisition of electronic resources. Interview method was used to collect data from the
participants. The researcher interviewed the respondents one on one. The interview
method was preferred because of its flexibility and ability to collect in-depth information.
Interviews also allowed the researcher to collect more information considering that this
was a kind of exploratory study whereby the researcher depended more on what the
respondents provided. Furthermore, interviews are the best method for collecting data
about the respondents themselves, their experiences, their opinions or attitudes, their
knowledge, and their reactions.
59
Odini (1993) concur by saying that the method gives the opportunity to establish rapport
and greater flexibility in collecting information since the interviewee and the interviewer
are both present. Furthermore verbal responses of the respondents are often valuable and
the original evidence of the research data. The tool used for data collection was semi-
structured interview schedule. This was used for its flexibility. This is further discussed
in section 3.7
3.4 The Study Population
A population is a group of individuals, objects, or items from which samples are taken for
measurement. Mugenda & Mugenda (1999), defines a population as a complete set of
individuals, cases or objects with some common observable characteristics. Target
population is that population to which a researcher wants to generalize the results of a
study. The study population was drawn from all member libraries of KLISC in Kenya.
There were sixty three registered member libraries at the time of commencement of this
study (the number could have since increased). For the purpose of this study, these were
categorized into four groups as follows: University; and middle college; research
institution libraries; museums, public and government (others) libraries. The population
also included representatives from KLISC management, where KLISC is considered as
one unit of the population. This came to a total of sixty four. Table 3.1 below shows the
study population.
60
Table 3.1: The Study Population
Category Total Percent
Universities/university colleges
32
49
Middle Colleges
11
17
Research institutions
12
19
Other libraries
8
12
KLISC management
2
3
Total
65
100
3.5 The Study Sample
A sample is a small group selected from the whole population which is used in data
collection and should be a representative of the whole group. The researcher should
endeavoured to select a sample which is a representative of the whole population as much
as possible. The characteristics of the population were not diverse and sample for the
study consisted the librarians who were directly involved in the provision of electronic
resources in members libraries of KLISC. Only one librarian was targeted from each
member library to be included in the sample. The researcher also selected two
representatives of KLISC management to be interviewed.
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3.5.1 Sampling Methods
Sampling is the process of selecting a small group from the population to be used for data
collection.. There are two sampling methods that can be used is selecting a sample for a
research study. They are probability sampling and non-probability sampling. In
probability sampling, people, places or things are randomly selected. Non-probability on
the other hand is a sampling method whereby the probability that any element will be
included in a sample cannot be specified and in some instances certain members may
have no chance at all of being included (Welman and Kruger 2001 pp 61). The researcher
should choose the appropriate method depending on the kind of population of the study.
Each method has various technique of sampling to choose from. The sampling method
applied in the study was probability.
3.5.2 Sampling Technique
A sampling technique is the exact method used to select a sample for a study. The
sampling technique which was used by the researcher was stratified random sampling.
The population was put into broad categories according to types of libraries and subjects
were selected randomly from each category for interviewing. The researcher managed to
interview fifty librarians and two KLISC officials as follows: university/university
colleges 27; middle colleges 7; research institutions 10 other libraries 6 and 2 from LISC
management
62
3.6 Method of Data Collection
Data collection refers to the gathering of specific information aimed at proving or
refuting some facts. There are a variety of methods used in data collection. Among them
is the interview method which was used for data collection for this study. The study
mainly used qualitative inquiry where data was collected using personal interview
method. Qualitative inquiry typically focuses on collection of in-depth information and
personal interviews were used for this purpose.
3.6.1 The Interview Method
The interview method, according to Kothari (2004), involves presentation of oral or
verbal responses. This method was used in personal interviews. Personal interviews
involved face-to-face encounters where the interviewer asked the interviewees oral
questions. The kind of interview used was semi-structured which gave the respondents
the freedom to provide their own answers at the same time provided guidance in the
discussions. The major advantage is that the researcher got more information from the
respondents through non-verbal communication. Interviews also have a high response
rate which adds to the validity of results. A part from a few instances the respondents
were very cooperative and were very willing to provide the information being sought. In
addition, interviews collect more data than anticipated by the researcher by allowing the
respondents to provide their experiences, beliefs and values concerning the field of study.
The method also allowed the interviewee and the interviewer to develop an understanding
resulting to confidence and trust. This led to collection of more information.
63
3.7 The Tools for Data Collection
An interview schedule was used as a tool for data collection. It is a list of questions which
the researcher asked during the interview. A semi-structured schedule contains both
closed-ended and open-ended questions. This schedule was chosen for its flexibility. The
structured questions were used as a guide to limit the respondents to the areas relevant to
the study. These were followed by the open-ended questions which allowed the
respondents to provide independent responses.
3.8 Procedure for Data Collection
Data was collected by interviewing the respondents from libraries who were members of
KLISC. Before the interview, the researcher made appointments with the respondents to
ensure that they were available. On arrival, the researcher provided the introduction letter
and an interview schedule for each respondent. In some instances, the researcher was
lucky to interview them on the same day. This was made possible by the respondents
being very understanding. At other times, however, it was the opposite. The researcher
was made to make several visits before interviewing and sometimes in vain. During the
interview, data provided was recorded in hand written notes and an attempt to use a tape
recorder proved useless after realizing that most of the respondents did not want to be
recorded for whatever reasons.
3.9 Reliability and Validity
Reliability is the extent to which a measuring instrument or procedure yields the same
result upon repeated trials. Reliability helps in the establishment of internal consistency,
interpreting data and predicting the value scores. In qualitative research, validity means
64
that the researcher checks for the accuracy of the findings by employing certain
procedures while with reliability the researchers approach is consistent across different
researches and different projects (Creswell, 2009:190). For validity the researcher
ensured there was trustworthiness, authenticity and credibility throughout the research
process which was ensured through data collection, data analysis and interpretation. For
this purpose, the researcher used triangulation by comparing related data from the two
categories of respondents, that is, the librarians and the KLISC officials. To ensure
reliability the researcher applied pre-test method as a way of assessing the reliability of
data collection instruments. This was achieved through use of a selected group of my
fellow students at Moi University who helped in assessing the quality of the questions,
and sequencing. The pretest revealed that the questions were too many and some were
repetitive. The researcher then removed the questions which were repetitive and reduced
the unnecessary questions.
During data collection, pre-testing was done through a selected group of five librarians
from five libraries that the researcher visited first. After interviewing them the researcher
was able to check for the appropriateness of the research instrument. Through this the
researcher established that some questions were not flowing well and changed the
arrangement of the questions. Data from these five libraries were not included during data
analysis.
3.10 Methods of Data Analysis and Presentation
Data analysis refers to examining what has been collected in a study, making deductions
and drawing inferences. It involves uncovering of underlying structures, extracting
65
important variables, detecting any anomalies and testing any underlying assumptions.
Data analysis can be approached from two angles: qualitative data analysis, and
quantitative data analysis methods. This study employed qualitative data analysis
procedures since data was collected through qualitative method.
Qualitative data is inform of text, written words, phrases or symbols describing or
representing people, actions and events in life. The analysis of qualitative data varies
from simple descriptive analysis to more elaborate reduction and multivariate associate
techniques. Analysis of qualitative data involves analytical techniques which include:
quick impressionist summary which involves summarizing of key terms, explanations,
interpretation and conclusion; thematic analysis which basically categorizes related topics
where major concepts or themes are identified; and content analysis which examines the
intensity with which words have been used (Kombo & Tromp, 2006). Qualitative data
analysis involves working with data, organizing it, breaking it into manageable units,
synthesizing it, searching for patterns, discovering what is important and what is to be
learned, and deciding what it means to others. Furthermore, data analysis involves
making sense of text, images and verbal phrases provided by the respondents. To analyse
data collected, the researcher used thematic analysis which basically involved
categorizing related topics where major concepts or themes were identified. Before the
analysis, the researcher collated the collected data through use of a table with rows
representing the respondents and the column for each question. Using the results of this
exercise the data was put into categories according to emerging themes. Each category
was then labeled with a distinctive term based on the actual language of the participants.
66
Each category was then coded. Tabulation was then used to present data and further
analysis done to draw inferences from the data.
After data analysis, data can be presented in various ways including use of statistical
techniques, graphical techniques or a combination of both. In this study data was
presented through use of tables and percentages.
3.11 Ethical Issues
Ethical issues revolve around data collection, data analysis and interpretation. There are
issues also at the time of dissemination of results. The researcher ensured that such
ethical issues were considered carefully at all stages to ensure that participants were not
maginalised or coerced in any way. During data collection, the researcher identified
herself to the respondents before the exercise commenced. The purpose of the study was
communicated to the participants. The researcher assured the respondents of
confidentiality of information provided. Plagiarism was avoided through
acknowledgement of sources of information.
During data analysis and interpretation, the researcher strove to provide accurate accounts
of information collected. In reporting, the researcher provided a truthful representation of
what was collected and did not in any way suppress, falsify or invent findings to meet the
researcher‘s or the audience‘s needs.
67
3.12 Summary of the Chapter
This chapter presents research methodology used in sampling, data collection, data
analysis and presentation and covers: research design; study population; study sample;
and methods of data collection, analysis and presentation. The research design chosen
was qualitative research where the researcher sought to establish the current situation
with regard to the provision of electronic resources by KLISC to the members. The study
population comprised all the members of KLISC country wide. The sample was selected
from librarians from all the member libraries. The method of data collection used was
the interview method. Lastly the collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis and
presented by tables and percentages.
68
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction
This chapter addresses data analysis, presentation and interpretation of data collected
from the field. The respondents comprised librarians from member libraries of KLISC.
The data was obtained from respondents through face-to-face interviews. Data is
basically presented in tabular form as well as textual. Qualitative data analysis method
was used to analyse data. The content was coded thematically and frequency of responses
was noted. This information was then presented in form of tables and percentages. The
researcher then drew inferences from the findings so presented.
The chapter is divided into the following sections based on the study objectives:
1. General and Bio information
2. The activities of KLISC in the provision of electronic information resources in
libraries in Kenya
3. The need for e-resources in consortium libraries
4. The how KLISC assisted in the provision of e-resources in consortium
libraries
5. Problems experienced by consortium libraries in accessing the e-resources
6. Suggestions to improve availability of e-resources in member libraries
69
4.2 General and Bio information
4.2.1 Response Rate
The respondents were put into four major categories according to common attributes.
The categories comprised universities both public and private/ university colleges; middle
colleges; research institutions; and others-this includes all other libraries outside the
above mentioned categories. In the university category 27 respondents were interviewed,
in the middle colleges 7 were interviewed, in the research category 10 respondents were
interviewed and in category of others 6 respondents were interviewed. Two members of
KLISC management were also interviewed totaling to 52 respondents. Table 4.1 below
presents the respondents who participated in the study:
Table 4.1: Response Rate (n=52)
Category
Respondents
Percent
University libraries 27 52
College libraries
7 13
Research institutions libraries 10 19
public, museums and government
libraries
6 12
KLISC management 2 4
Total
52 100
70
4.2.2 Designation of the Respondents
The study focused on interviewing the persons responsible for managing library services
in the various institutions. This ranged from library assistants to chief/university
librarians. The data collected show that 77% of those interviewed were assistant
librarians and above and 23% were senior library assistants and library assistants. Table
4.2 below has the details.
Table 4.2 Information about Respondents (n=52)
Chief/
university
librarians
Librarians Systems
librarian
Assistant
librarian
Senior
lib.asst.
Library
assistant
Total
Universities 5 8 3 5 4 3 28
Colleges - 3 - 2 1 - 6
Research 3 2 - 2 1 2 10
Others 2 3 - 1 - - 6
Total 10 16 3 10 6 5 50
4.2.3 Experience of the Respondents
The study established that the experiences of those interviewed were diverse and ranged
from 4 years to 29 years. It was found that 38% of the respondents had served for less
than ten years, 56% for more than ten years and only 6% had served for more than twenty
years. Table 4.3 below has more details:
71
Table 4.3: Experience of the Respondents in years (n=50)
Experience in yrs 0 - 10 10 – 20 20 – 30 Total
Chief/university
librarians
- 9 1 10
Librarians 4 9 2 15
Systems librarians 2 2 - 4
Assistant librarians 4 6 - 10
Senior library assistants 4 2 - 6
Library assistants 5 - - 5
Total 20 29 3 50
4.2.4 Number of Users in Each Category of Libraries
The study established that on average the public universities served between 5 000 to 40
000 users. It was also noted that some private universities have up to 10 000 users. In
some research institutions there were as low as 300 users. The study established that
KNLS, being the national library and with branches all over the country served the
highest number of users numbering close to 4 000 000 as illustrated in table 4.4 below.
72
Table 4.4: Number of Users in Each Category of Libraries
Institutions Range
Public universities 5 000 – 40 000
Private universities 3 000 -10 000
University colleges 2 000-7 000
Middle Colleges 1 000 – 2 500
Research 300 – 3 000
KNLS Up to 4 000 000
Others 450 - 500
4.2.5 Registration, Annual Membership and Annual Subscription Fee
The study established that all libraries pay a registration fee of Kshs. 5 000. The
registration fee was paid once. A uniform annual membership fee of Kshs.10 000 was
also paid to support the operations of KLISC by all members. Members also paid INASP
annual subscription to access electronic resources. This subscription varied among the
categories as follows: public universities paid Kshs. 1.96 million; private universities
paid Kshs. 450 000; and all the others including KNLS paid Kshs. 240 000 annually as
shown in table 4.5 below.
73
Table 4.5: Payments for Membership and Subscription
Institutions Registration
Fee
(in kshs)
Annual
Membership
to KLSC
( in Kshs.)
Annual
subscription to
INASP
(in Kshs.)
Universities 5 000 10 000 1 960 000
Private universities 5 000 10 000 450 000
University Colleges 5 000 10 000 240 000
Middle colleges 5 000 10 000 240 000
Others 5 000 10 000 240 000
3.2.6 Libraries with Branches
The researcher sought to establish the number of libraries that had branches. The study
indicated that 58% of the libraries had branches while 42% did not have branches. It was
also revealed that most of the research institutions had regional branches which were
outside the country as shown in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6: Libraries with Branches (n=50)
Institutions Libraries with branches Libraries with no branches
Universities 18 9
Colleges 2 5
Research 7 3
Others 2 4
Totals 29 21
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4.3 The Activities of KLISC in the Provision of Electronic Information Resources in
Libraries in Kenya
Scientific information is very important especially in academic and research libraries for
the generation of new knowledge. It is therefore important for libraries to provide this
information in the best way possible to ensure proper utilization. With the advent of
technology and the application of ICTs, libraries have turned to electronic information
resources to provide scientific information and any other kinds of information and
information services as may be required by their users. The first objective sought to
establish the activities of KLISC in the provision of electronic information in libraries in
Kenya. To achieve this data was collected about the type of resources available through
KLISC and the information support offered by KLISC,
4.3.1 E-resources available through KLISC
The study indicated that KLISC availed 42 databases to members from various publishers
and aggregators. The members had access to all these forty two databases and could
select whatever was relevant to their patrons from these resources. These databases were
from various publishers who specialize in diverse fields. Below is a list of these
databases.
75
Table 4.7 List of Databases Accessible to KLISC
Electronic Journal Databases
1. Acoustical Society of America
(ASA)
22. African Journals Online
2. American Institute of Physics 23. American Physical Society
3. Annual Reviews 24. Beech Tree Publishing
4. British Library Document Supply
Centre
25. British psychological Society
5. Cambridge University Press 26. Cochrane Library
6. EBSCO Host Research Databases 27. Edinburgh University Press
7. Emerald Group Publishing 28. GALE Cengage Learning: Expanded
29. Academic and Health & Wellness
Resource Center
8. Geological Society 30. Institute of Electronic and Electrical
Engineers (IEEE)
9. Institute of Physics Publishing (IOP) 31. JSTOR
10. Mary Ann Liebert 32. Mineralogical Society
11. National Academies Press 33. Nature Publishing
12. Organization for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD)
34. Optical Society of America (OSA)
13. Oxford English Dictionary Online 35. Oxford Journals (OUP)
14. Palgrave Macmillan Journals 36. Project Muse
15. Royal College of Physicians 37. Royal Society Journals
16. Royal Society of Chemistry Archives 38. Royal Society of Chemistry: RSC
Journals Archive
17. SAGE Publications 39. Springer Journals
18. Symposium Journals 40. University of California Press
19. University of Chicago Press 41. Wiley Blackwell - Inter Science Content
20. Wiley Blackwell – Synergy 42.World Bank: Africa Development
Indicators
21. World Bank: Global Economic
Monitor
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Source: (from KLISC website)
It was revealed that INASP works with the above publishers and aggregators to make
their resources available within their partners and network countries. Each consortium
from various countries is provided with resources which they can access according to
terms agreed upon. Kenya is allowed access to all the publishers and aggregators listed
above and from these, there are journals, journal articles, eBooks, abstracts of journals
articles, full text journals, magazines, conference proceedings series, annual reviews,
table of content searching, and document delivery among others. The publishers state the
extent of access which is agreed upon during licensing. The following are examples of
what some publishers offer to Kenya: Project Muse provides access to over 430 full-text
journals from 70 publishers in humanities and social science; Taylor and Francis online
journals have more than 1,300 titles in humanities, social sciences and applied sciences;
and Wiley online library HSS provides access to over 500 journals in humanities and
social sciences.
Most of these also provide back issues of their titles, for example, Acoustic Society of
America (ASA) provides access to all back issues of journal of the Acoustical Society of
America (JASA); back to vol. 1, no. 1, Oct 1929. For more information on the resources
available to KLISC see appendix 3.
4.3.2 Information Support Offered by KLISC
To achieve the first objective the study sought further to establish the kind of information
support provided to members by KLISC. The study showed that the information support
offered by KLISC was uniform to all members as shown in table 4.8 below. Despite this
77
there were differences in responses among categories. For example, a service like
database access was mentioned by ten respondents from all categories. Overall,
communication of updates and training took the lead with 78% each. The responses were
put into eleven categories according to the themes as follows in table 4.8 below:
Table 4.8: Summary of Information Support and Services Offered by KLISC
(Multiple Responses)
Service
Respondents
Percent
Communication updates
39
78
Data base access
10
20
Exposure through listing
3
6
Licensing
6
12
Mediation
23
46
New Resource updates
15
30
Price negotiation
16
32
Sponsorship
10
20
Statistics
2
4
System problems
7
14
Training
39
78
These services are discussed here below:
78
4.3.2.1 Prompt Communication of New Developments by the KLISC Management
The study indicated that KLISC management endeavoured to communicate to the
members any new developments from the publishers or the sponsors. The communication
was on new products from publishers or programmes from sponsors and were as often as
need a rose. It was found that members appreciated the prompt communication of any
new developments concerning new products. This kept members abreast with emerging
trends. It enabled them to adapt quickly and in so doing, improve the provision of
electronic information and services to their clientele. Such communication include
information on newly introduced products e.g. eBooks and software; publishers and
aggregators; and other resources. This service was important to 39 (78%) as indicated in
Table 4.8 above. Communication was considered necessary for continual improvement of
services and other products.
4.3.2.2 Training Staff in ICT Skills
ICT skills are important in the provision and utilization of e-resources. It was revealed
that KLISC organizes training for all its new members. The training targets those who
offer electronic services in the libraries. It was also evident that the training was
sponsored by INASP and members did not pay for them. From the responses obtained it
was clear that this service was very important. All members in the four categories were
very much aware and had benefited from it. A total of 39 (78%) respondents talked about
it. The training equipped staff with the necessary skills in the provision of electronic
resources and services as well as ICT applications. This was achieved through workshops
and seminars organised locally and outside the country. The training targeted mostly
those directly dealing with provision of electronic services in member libraries. It was
79
available to all the new members who joined KLISC for the first time. The service is held
regularly to keep members abreast of new technologies in the field of electronic
resources. This includes creating awareness on newly developed electronic tools such as
new software and other tools for information transfer and sharing. The study, however,
established that very few members trained the end users after they were trained and this
defeated the purpose for which it was established.
4.3.2.3 Mediation between Users and Publishers
The study showed that there were quite a number of issues concerning the members and
the publishers or suppliers. It was evident that problems were encountered now and then
especially by new members who were not familiar with the processes involved especially
that of registration. In this connection, it was found that whenever the management was
approached, they did assist. However, it was also established that some new members
were not even aware of this assistance and took a long time before they completed
registration. Some cases took as long as a whole year before utilizing the resources after
registration and payment of subscription fee. This was supported by 23 (46%)
respondents (Table 4.7 above) meaning that a good percentage of members had benefited
from this mediation while others were not aware.
4.3.2.4 Negotiations for Better Prices
Formation of consortia enables libraries to get sponsors who are willing to subsidize the
cost of provision of electronic resources in member libraries. They also play another
important role of negotiating for better prices on behalf of members. Due to the ability of
bulk buying publishers were willing to reduce prices for the consortia. The study
80
indicated that KLISC partners with INASP which negotiates on their behalf. The
negotiations ensured that members got pertinent resources at low cost. This activity was
mentioned by 16 (32%) of the respondents. See (table 4.7 above).
4.3.2.5 Introduction of New Resources
It was revealed that KLISC is always on the lookout for new services and resources
which can benefit its members. These include emerging tools, software and new
resources. A good example is the eBooks which KLISC was in the process of
introducing. At the time this study was contacted, KLISC had introduced eBooks on a
trial basis for the members to decide whether they would want it included as part of the
package. A total of 15 (30%) respondents were aware of these new eBooks.
4.3.2.6 Licensing
A license is an agreement authorizing use of e-resources between the publishers and other
suppliers and KLISC. It was found that licensing for the use of the electronic resources
by KLISC members was done by the sponsoring body, INASP, in conjunction with the
country coordinator. It appeared that majority of members had no idea about it. Only 6
(12%) mentioned it. This indicates that many members are not aware of the pricing
procedures contrary to what IFLA (2001), recommends that all users should be aware of
how the prices were arrived at and that there should be no hidden costs.
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4.3.2.7 System Problems
According to the data collected, there were certain requirements which had to be met
before members could access the e-resources. One of these requirements was installation
of an information system. This was the responsibility of the member libraries but KLISC
management advised those who had problems. Only 7 (14%) of the respondents had
experienced problems.
4.3.2.8 Statistics of Use
Study revealed that KLISC kept record of how the resources are used by users in the
member libraries. Usage statistics are important as a metric for value of acquired
information. It was also found that this information could be provided to any member if
they requested for it. According to findings only 2 (4%) were aware of this service as
indicated in Table 4.7 above. This finding indicates that members are not keen to
establish the usability or the level of usage of the electronic resources by their users.
4.3.2.9 Sponsorship of Programmes
INASP‘s work focuses on communication, knowledge and networks, with particular
emphasis on the needs of developing and emerging countries. Members were encouraged
to come up with programmes in these areas. INASP responded to these according to how
they met the criteria of: priorities for access to national and international scholarly
information and knowledge via ICTs; national, regional and international co-operation;
networking and knowledge exchange. They also advised and advocated for improved
policy and practice in achieving sustainable and equitable development through effective
communication, knowledge and networks. The members forwarded the proposals for
82
approval through KLISC. Only 10 (20%) respondents had indicated awareness of this
provision.
4.3.2.10 Exposure to the World through Listing
The study showed that 3 (6%) of the respondents felt that registering of member libraries
with the suppliers was a way of gaining exposure to the outside world and away of being
recognized by others out there as indicated in Table 4.8 above.
4.4 The Need for E-Resources
The purpose of provision of information resources and services by libraries is to help
meet specific needs of their users. This objective sought to find out what perceptions
members had concerning the need for e-resources by their users. The data collected
showed that these needs vary across categories but there are similarities between all
academic libraries. In these libraries the needs for the e-resources were many as
illustrated in the table 4.8 below. All were mentioned except ―saving on storage space‖.
The most common needs across categories were the need for electronic resources for
research work (86%), and easy access to information (70%). It is clear from the data
collected that there were many reasons why electronic resources are necessary for library
end users. Table 4.9 below has the details.
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Table 4.9: Need for E- Resources (Multiple Responses)
Need for e-resources Frequency Percent
Research work 43 86
Course work 26 52
Bibliographic information
27
54
Easy access to information
35 70
Save storage space 6 12
Low Maintenance cost 14 28
Variety of resource information
9
18
Easy access to scholarly information
19
38
Technological development-ICT
15
30
Ease of Use 18 36
Easy distribution of information 21 42
User Demand 21 42
The needs expressed by members were put into twelve categories as follows: research
work; provision of bibliographic information; save on storage space; access to a variety
of resources; development in technology especially ICT; easy distribution of information;
course work for students; access to scholarly information; ease of use; user demand; low
maintenance cost; and easy access to information. They are further discussed below:
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4.4.1 Research Work
The study indicated that electronic resources provided are very useful for research
purposes. This was because most of the electronic resources provided contained scientific
information in form of journal articles. This need was expressed in all categories more so
in research institutions where scholarly information is mostly relied on. A total of 43
(86%) of those interviewed indicated there was great need for electronic information for
research,
4.4.2 Provision of Bibliographic Information
Bibliographic information is very important for information location and retrieval. The
study established that this need was expressed most in universities and research
institutions where research work is mostly done. A total of 27 (54%) respondents
articulated the need for bibliographic information.
4.4.3 Save on Storage Space
Although storage space is becoming scarce in most information centres, data collected
show that this was a major issue facing research institutions more than other category of
libraries. Electronic information saves on space compared to other formats especially
book materials. Only 6 (12%) articulated this need.
4.4.4 Access to a Variety of Resources
Various sources of information on the same subject present different viewpoints of the
subject which facilitates understanding of the subject. From the collected data, this need
was mostly felt in the academic institutions where diverse programs are offered. The e-
85
resources offered them a good coverage of the subject areas. This need was expressed by
9 (18%) respondents.
4.4.5 Development in Technology Especially ICT
Advancement in technology has changed the way information is produced, collected,
stored and accessed. The users also have become more techno-savvy and are demanding
provision of information through the available technologies. The study showed that 15
(30%) expressed this need.
4.4.6 Easy Distribution of Information
In Kenya the number of people pursuing further studies is increasing and universities and
colleges are admitting more students than ever. Easy distribution of information assists
the library staff to serve the users faster. This would in turn ease congestion in the
libraries as well as save users time. The study indicated that there was need for easy
distribution of information among users 21 (42%) expressed the need for easy
distribution of information to their clientele.
4.4.7 Course Work for Students
Part of the course work for students is assignments or term papers which they do
independently and present for marking. For them to do this successfully, they require
relevant information sources to get pertinent information. This need was mostly
expressed by those in academic institutions where 26 (52%) respondents articulated this
need.
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4.4.8 Access to Scholarly Information
This is a tenet of academic institutions and research institutions and mostly involve
research work. However, other libraries, like the public libraries, need them too to meet
the diverse needs of their users. A total of 19 (38%) of the respondents were aware of this
need.
4.4.9 Ease of Use
Ease of use is facilitated by use of electronic devices which ensure speed, friendly user
interface as well as provision of various access points. The study established that 16
(32%) of the respondent had this need met through the provision of electronic resources.
4.4.10 User Demand
Libraries are met with increasing and dynamic nature of user demands which they should
strive to meet. There is therefore the need for libraries to meet all the demands of their
clientele. It is also evident that no library can be self sufficient and there was need for
cooperation among libraries to provide electronic information to their members. This
need was express by 12 (42%) respondents.
4.5 The Extent to which KLISC has assisted in the Provision of E-Resources
The objective sought to determine how KLISC has assisted member libraries in accessing
e-resources. To achieve this objective data was collected under the following subtitles:
number of journals subscribed to before joining KLISC; money spent on subscription
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before joining KLISC; money paid after joining; number of users served; and benefits of
joining KLISC.
4.5.1 The Number of Journals Subscribed to before KLISC
Responses to this question indicated that majority of the libraries subscribed to very few
journals before joining KLISC. The major reason cited was the cost of the journals and
lack of sufficient funds to subscribe. For this matter many libraries had to do without
them. It was established that most of the libraries subscribed to below 200 journals in a
year and in actual fact majority subscribed to nothing at all. Subscription to substantial
number of journal was mostly in universities and research institutions. The study show
that 58% of the respondents indicated that they subscribed to 200 journals and below.
Data also show that the problem of under subscription was in all libraries as illustrated in
Table 4.10 below.
Table 4.10: Number of Journals Subscribed to before KLISC (n=50)
Subscriptions Frequency Percent
0 -200 29 58
201 – 400 7 14
Over 400 5 10
No information 9 18
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4.5.2 Money Spent on Subscription before KLISC
On the question of money spent on subscription before joining KLISC, it was established
that money spent was equivalent to subscription done. Majority of libraries spent under
five million shillings to subscribe to very few journals. However a few universities and
research institutions spent quite a substantial amount of up to over ten million shillings on
subscription per year. It was noted that even after paying so much, very few journals
were received (3 000 as compared to 35 000 journals under KLISC). None of those
interviewed said that they were able to have the required journals at any one given time.
Among the academic institutions it was clear from data collected that most of the colleges
did not subscribe to any journals. On the side of universities many of them tried to
subscribe but others did not especially the university colleges. On the side others,
subscription was minimal. All of these categories cited the expense of subscription to
journals as an individual institution or organization which made it impossible to afford.
The findings are summarized in Table 4.11 below.
Table 4.11: Money Spent on Subscription before (n=50)
Amount Frequency Percent
0 - 5M 27 54
5M – 10M 10 20
Over 10M 4 8
No information 9 18
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4.5.3 Money Paid After Joining KLISC
The study sought to know how much members paid after joining KLISC. It was
established that the payment ranged from Kshs. 1.9 million to Kshs. 240 000. What was
paid by members was basically determined by the number of their users. Those with
more members paid more. For this matter, public universities paid more followed by
private universities and then the rest of the other institutions. There were three major
categories. The first was that of public universities who paid Ksh 1.96 million; the second
category was that of private universities who paid Ksh 450 000; the last category
constitute the other members who include research institutions, university colleges,
middle colleges, public libraries , museums and government institutions who paid Ksh
240 000. On top of the annual subscriptions all members paid registration fee of Ksh
5 000 and an annual membership of Ksh. 10 000 (Table 4.11 below). When comparison
is done between what was spent and received before and after, there was a clear
indication that there was a lot of savings on what members were paying as well as an
increase of the number of resources being availed. If we take the case of universities, cost
reduced from over ten million to around 2million an equivalent of 80% cost reduction.
On the other hand, journals received increased from 3 000 to 35,000, an increase of about
1170% increase. This is to say there is an enormous increase of e-resources.
However, it was noted that the research libraries continued their initial subscriptions even
after joining KLISC. This was because the resources provided through the consortium did
not include their core resources. There were also cases of publishers denying access to
some of their resources to the international research organizations even when available to
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KLISC. Such publishers felt that these international organizations could afford to
subscribe directly. A good example is Nature publishing Group whose databases are
available to KLISC but ILRI who needs them cannot have access.
Table 4.12: Money Paid for Registration, Membership and Subscription
Category
Registration Fee
Annual
Subscription to
KLISC
(membership fee)
Annual
Subscription to
INASP
Public Universities 5000 10000 Kshs 1 960 000
Private universities 5000 10000 Kshs 450 000
University colleges 5000 10000 Kshs 240 000
Research institutions 5000 10000 Kshs 240 000
Others 5000 10000 Kshs 240 000
4.5.4 Number of Users Served by the Libraries
The number of users usually affects the quantity of resources required. It was found that
the number of users served in these libraries varied among categories. In public
universities users ranged from 5 000 to 40 000, in private universities, the range was
between 3 000 and 10 000, in university colleges the range was between 2 000 and 7 000,
in research institutions it ranged from 300 to 3 000, in middle colleges it ranged from
1000 to 2 500, KNLS up to 4 million country wide and others form 450-500 (Table 4.4).
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4.5.5 Benefits of Joining KLISC
From data collected it was clear that the e-resources were very beneficial. This was so for
all the categories. All those interviewed were very happy with the resources and services
received through KLISC. The benefits range from a score of 40 (80%) to 9 (18%) see
Table 4.12 below. Some of the benefits are discussed below:
4.5.5.1 Free Training
All those interviewed had benefited from free training on the provision of electronic
resources. This equipped the service providers as well as users with the necessary skills
to ensure maximum utilization of electronic resources.
4.5.5.2 Networking
Members also were happy with the opportunity provided of networking with others.
Coming together has also enabled members to establish networks which work perfectly
for them. Through the networking they are able to share resources with one another and
also share ideas. This network mostly utilizes e-mails for document delivery and other
forms of communication.
4.5.5.3 Cost Reduction
Subscription to the e-resources through KLISC has reduced costs of subscription
tremendously. If for example we take the universities and research institutions who paid
upto Kshs 10 M to get access to very few journals, they were now paying a maximum of
Kshs 1.9 M in the case of universities and Kshs 240 000 for the research institutions for
the access to 42 databases with millions of journal articles available.
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4.5.5.4 Constant Availability of Information
E-resources ensure that information is available anytime and anywhere as long as there is
connectivity. This is beneficial because it allows people flexibility to do their work any
time they want. There is also the other factor of availability anywhere, even at home.
With the application of the right tools, users in member libraries can access information
from anywhere as long as they are connected to the internet. There are also the benefits of
easy access to information and also wider access to information. Provision of electronic
information makes it easy to access information since all it takes is just clicking of the
button. Use of electronic device also allows downloading of these resources which can be
saved or printed for future use. Through provision of e-resources there is also a wider
access to information. There is access to so many databases which provide a wide range
of resources to choose from. This ensures that user satisfaction is guaranteed.
4.5.5.5 Access to Current Information
Electronic resources are most current in that electronic publishing is real time, that is,
information can be availed as soon as it has been published as opposed to print publishing
which takes a long time to provide the published material.
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Table 4.13: Benefits of Joining KLISC (multiple responses)
Benefit Respondents Percent
Free training 40 80
Networking with others 40 80
Cost reduction 38 76
Reliable availability 36 72
Wide access to information 34 68
Easy access to e resources 26 52
provision of current information 24 48
Resource sharing 17 34
Reduction of paper work 10 20
Leads to international recognition 9 18
Table 4.13 above show what the respondents thought was beneficial to them. The
information in the table clearly indicates that the benefits were many and important to the
majority of respondents.
4.6 Problems Experienced by Consortium Members in Accessing the E-Resource
The fourth objective sought to find out the problems experienced by consortium members
in accessing the e-resources. The study was revealed that there were a number of
problems experienced in accessing electronic resources. The responses are analyzed in
Table 4.14 below.
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Table 4.14: Problems of Access to The Resources (Multiple Responses)
Access to the resources
Respondent
s Percent
Poor ICT infrastructure 12 24
Slow speed 5 10
Password requirement for some publishers 45 90
Slow communication by publishers 36 72
Some publishers do not allow access to full text 9 18
Embargo period ( between six months and one year 16 32
Poor connectivity 5 10
Resources not available to all members but are available to
KLISC 5 10
Lack of skills 11 22
Use of IP restricts use within the institutions 43 86
New member experience delays when registering with
individual publishers 8 16
Subscription fee is high for some members 4 8
Available resources do not cater for major information
needs 8 16
Not able to share in case of regional branches 4 8
Data show that 45 (90%) respondents cited password requirements for some publishers
during access by end users as a major challenge, 43 (86%) had Internet Protocol (IP)
authentication problems which restricted use of the resources within the institution. IP
verification was sometimes problematic for members especially when the IT department
changed the IP address without informing the library management so as to inform the
publishers about the change. 36 (72%) had problems of slow communication process
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between them and the publishers during registration, embargo period was a problem cited
by 16 (32%) respondents, while 12 (24%) respondent experienced problems of poor ICT
infrastructure. Lack of ICT skills was yet another problem among 11(22%) respondents.
A total of 9 (18%) had a problem of some publishers not allowing access to full text
journals articles and 8 (16%) experienced delays during registration as new members and
the problem of the available resources not catering for all their users needs. A total of 5
(10%) respondents experienced three problems of slow speed, poor connectivity, the
problem of some resources available to KLISC not being available to some members.
Lastly, 4 (8%) had a problem of high subscription and not being able to share the
resources in the case of members with regional branches. Table 4.13 below has more
details.
4.6.1 Poor ICT Infrastructure
ICT infrastructure is a major requirement for the provision of electronic resources. This
includes availability of Internet connections, availability of computers, both, hardware
and software, ICT and computer skills and the right band width for speed access. The
findings show that the respondents had problems of internet connections, lack of enough
computers and lack of skills.
4.6.2 Slow Speed
Use of electronic devices has an advantage of increased speed and thus saving time for
the users. It was established that slow speed was a major problem experienced in many
libraries. This problem is associated with low band width which caused congestion
especially when many users were logged in at the same time.
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4.6.3 Password Requirements
It was established that password requirement was a problem experienced by the majority
of the respondents. Findings show that some publishers required that members provide
their users with passwords which they should use whenever they logged in their
databases. These passwords were provided by the publishers themselves. This was a
major problem due to the many publishers with this condition. Table 4.13 above has the
details.
4.6.4 Slow Communication
The study established that some publishers were very slow in communicating back to the
the members especially during registration of members. Some publishers took a long time
before communicating back to the members. This meant that access was denied during
the period.
4.6.5 Denied Access to Full Text
It was established that some publishers did not allow access to full text articles but
instead provided only the abstracts to the articles. This sometimes did not provide
adequate information and members wanted this to be addressed.
4.6.6 Embargo Period
It was established that another major problem was that of the embargo period imposed by
publishers on electronic journals. The period ranges from six months to one year. This is
the period when a newly published journal is not availed for access to electronic
subscribers. This is done to allow the print journal to be subscribed to first. This is a
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problem because it means that those subscribing to e-journals do not have access
immediately after a journal has been published.
4.6.7 IP Limitations
It was established that publishers used IPs for identification of member libraries and end
users could only access through these IPs. This imposed restrictions on access because
users could only access these resources within the registered institutions thus denying
remote access to users. This showed lack of flexibility and inability to access anywhere
and anytime.
4.6.8 Resources not Available to All
It was established that some publishers restricted access from some members. In other
words, some members were allowed access while others were not. Some publishers
denied access to some international organizations that they felt could afford to subscribe
individually. Another case was that of yet other publishers denying access to public
libraries arguing that this was like allowing access to everybody.
4.6.9 Lack of Skills
ICT skills play a major role in the provision and utilization of electronic resources. It was
established that the training being offered was not sufficient and there was need to train
all those involved in the provision of electronic resources. It was also clear that there was
need for the trained staff to train the end users as well.
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4.6.10 High Subscription
The issue of finances has existed in libraries since time in memorial. It was established
that even though the subscription to the consortium was highly subsidized, some
respondents cited problems in raising the amount every year.
4.6.11 Insufficient Resources
It was established that resources provided through KLISC were of great help to most
members. It was also clear that some members had very special needs which could not be
fully catered for by the available resources despite the diversity. The diversity of the
needs superseded that of the resources and some members, especially the research
libraries, used these resources as supplementary to what they needed.
4.6.12 sharing among Regional Branches
It was established that sharing the resources among regional branches was not possible.
The branches outside Kenya could not access the resources directly since KLISC was for
Kenyan access only. The options these libraries had were sharing the resources using
emails and other forms of document delivery. They also had the option of joining other
local consortia in their countries of resident. Tables 4.15 and 4.16 below show the
responses to the questions on problems of access by users and sharing among branches
respectively.
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Table 4.15: Conditions for Access to Information (Multiple Responses)
Table 4.16: Access by Branches (Multiple Responses)
4.7 Proposed Solutions to Improve Availability of E-resources
This section presents the solutions proposed by members to the problems facing KLISC.
4.7.1 Promotion of KLISC
Majority of members suggested that it was important for the KLISC management to
engage in the promotion of the services offered to all libraries in Kenya since it is a
national consortium. This will result in increased membership which would in turn
reduce the cost of subscription or increase resources to accommodate all members‘ needs.
Conditions for access Frequency Percent
Passwords required by some publishers in order to access their
databases 45 90
IP verification is a problem when the ICT people change IPs
without involving the librarians 8 16
Restricted use of IP within the institutions 48 96
Problems encountered Respondents percent
Poor infrastructure 15 52
Networking problems 12 41
IP listing 12 41
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4.7.2 Improve Infrastructure
The issue of infrastructure was urgent since some members lack the basics like enough
computers, skills, and other facilities. Members recommended that KLISC should come
up with a programme to support those members who have problems of developing
infrastructure.
4.7.3 Fair Treatment
Respondents view was that all members should be allowed to access all the resources
availed through KLISC without discrimination especially research institutions and public
libraries.
4.7.4 Secretariat for KLISC
Some members expressed the need for independent secretariat body be established to run
KLISC as opposed to the present situation where KLISC is run from University of
Nairobi. They felt that money paid to the University of Nairobi would go a long way in
running of an independent body.
4.7.5 KLISC Accounts
It was proposed that KLISC accounts be separated from that of University of Nairobi as it
were the situation at the time of this study.
4.7.6 Effective Communication of Needs
The management suggested that members should communicate their specific needs to the
management to facilitate selection of pertinent resources for various groups.
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CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the summary of the main findings, conclusions, and
recommendations. The summary is provided with reference to the aim, objectives,
research questions and assumptions. The aim of the study was to determine the
effectiveness of KLISC in the provision of electronic resources in libraries in Kenya. The
study was pegged to five objectives which sought to establish the activities of KLISC in
the provision of electronic information resources in Kenya; the need for e-resources; the
extent to which KLISC has assisted in the provision of e-resources to consortium libraries
in the country; problems experienced by consortium members; and proposed solutions to
improve the availability of e-resources to consortium members.
5.2 Summary of Findings and Discussions
This research was guided by five objectives and research questions whose answers form
the basis of the findings of the study. The summary of the findings are discussed below.
5.2.1 Activities of KLISC in the Provision of Electronic Resources
The process and the findings of this objective have provided a window into the activities
of KLISC and the information services offered to the members. The research confirms
that consortia play an important role in the provision of electronic resources to its
members. The major activities of KLISC were:
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Coordination of activities between the consortium and member libraries,
sponsors and publishers by the country coordinator.
Overseeing the licensing process
Participate in price negotiations
Acquisition of electronic resources
Selection of the electronic resource
KLISC provided a country coordinator who coordinated activities between the
consortium and the International Networks for Availability of Scientific Publications
(INASP), who was the major partner of KLISC. The coordination involved liaising with
the sponsors and the publishers for the purpose of price negotiations and licensing
process.
5.2.2 Information Support Offered by KLISC
The findings were that through KLISC members were able to get access to forty two
electronic databases. From these databases members had access to journals, journal
articles, eBooks, abstracts of journal articles, full text journals, magazines, conference
proceedings series, annual reviews, table of content searching, and document delivery
among others. The following is the information support offered by KLISC to the
members:
Training staff in ICT skills for effective provision of services
Prompt communication of new developments by the KLISC management.
Mediation between users and publishers
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Negotiations for better prices
Introduction of new resources
Licensing
Solving of system problems
Provision of Statistics of use
Facilitate sponsorship of programmes by the sponsors
For effective provision and use of electronic information and services, ICT skills are
crucial. Findings show that KLISC facilitated trainings among members to ensure that
librarians in member libraries were equipped with necessary skills for effective provision
of electronic resources (Shibanda, 2006). KLISC provided information support and other
services which helped in the smooth running of service. The findings showed that these
information services were essential and well appreciated. The most appreciated were
communication of updates and training with both 39 (78%) followed by mediation with
23 (46%) respondents. Among many others mentioned was provision of information on
usage statistics which acts as a metric for value of acquired information ( Burke 2010;
SreeKumar and Sunitha 2009).
The coordinator also played an important intermediary role between the partners,
publishers and the members of the consortium. This entailed facilitating communication
between them whenever need arose. Major concerns were issues of access to individual
databases where by publishers or suppliers had their own conditions to be met. The
process involved registration of members. Each member had to register individually with
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all the publishers. The coordinator also communicated any new updates to members. This
included information on new services or products which members needed to know about.
The coordinator also presented members‘ needs to INASP for considerations as well as
calling for meetings to discuss issues concerning the consortium. The most important role
played by the coordinator was to ensure that the negotiations for prices favoured the
consortium in terms of low prices. In close connection to this was the licensing procedure
which is necessary for access and conditions for access.
5.2.3 The Need for E-Resources
The purpose of provision of information resources and services by libraries is to help
meet specific needs of their users. It was found that electronic resources were needed by
all members. Findings indicate that these needs varied across categories but there were
similarities between all academic libraries. Below is a list of identified needs for
electronic resources in member libraries:
Access to scientific information for research work
Provision of bibliographic information for location and access to information
Save on storage space since electronic resources occupy less space
Access to a variety of resources
Development in technology especially ICT
Easy distribution of information
Access to diverse information for course work for students
Ease of use of information
Saves time of access
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User demand due to available technologies
The most common needs across categories were the need for electronic resources for
research work, (86%), and easy access to information at (70%). Generally it was clear
from the findings that there were many reasons why electronic resources were necessary
for the library end users. The study revealed that one of the greatest needs for e-resources
was for the provision of scientific information for researchers and scholars for generation
of new knowledge for development in the economic, political and socio-cultural sectors.
Findings showed that 27 (54%) of the respondents expressed the need for bibliographic
information which help scholars locate more pertinent information materials on specific
areas of study. The availability of bibliographic information in machine readable format
is important for seamless information transfer. This means that a scholar is able to access
required inform irrespective of its location. To facilitate use of electronic resources, use
of various electronic devices is mandatory. These in turn improve the process of
provision of the resources through enhancing ease of use, easy distribution, speed which
saves users time, and multiple access points among others. Findings further showed that
electronic resources also assist in saving storage space which is continually getting scarce
in libraries. This concurs with Kaul 2001 who said that electronic information saves on
space compared to other formats especially book material. The other need clearly
expressed by the respondents was due to development in technology especially ICT. The
study showed that 15 (30%) respondents concur with Shibanda 2006 on this in that users
have become more techno-savvy and are demanding provision of information through the
available technologies.
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There was also the need to have access to a variety of resources which was expressed by
6 (12%) respondents. These provide different view points on subjects as well as diversity
which are well suited for academic institutions where many programmes are offered. In
close connection to this was the need for electronic resources for course work purposes.
The study showed that 26 (52%) of the respondents expressed this need. There was need
of electronic resources for ease of use of information and it was found that 16 (32%) of
the respondents expressed there was need for ease of use of information provided. Lastly
there was need for provision of electronic information due to user demand and according
to the study 12 (44%) respondent met with this demand.
5.2.4 How KLISC has assisted in the Provision of Electronic Resources
The study showed that KLISC had tremendously impacted on the provision of e-
resources to its members. Below is a summary of the benefits of KLISC to members:
Networking among members whereby KLISC has caused members to meet
through various forums leading to knowing one another and keeping in touch.
Cost reduction due to shared cost and the bargaining power of the consortium.
Easy access to e-resources which is facilitated by use of ICTs in the
communication of information.
Reduction of paper work through use of electronic format
Free training which KLISC offers through the sponsorship of INASP
Resource sharing which has been made possible through networking.
Wide access to information resources which KLISC avails to its members.
Provision of current information keeps members well informed and involved.
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Constant availability of information is ensured as long as members subscribe.
Leads to international recognition through listing as member become part of
an international organization.
It was very clear that majority of the libraries were unable to provide the most needed
information to users due to lack of funds. Journals, especially those in print format were
out of reach for many members. The main reason cited was the high cost of journals and
lack of sufficient funds to subscribe. It was established that all members did was to pay
the annual subscription fee which was very little compared to what they should have paid
as individual libraries. Before joining KLISC, only in universities and research
institutions were there substantial spending on journals. This finding is supported by
paper by Were (2010). This represented only 8% of the members. The situation was
worse in other institutions where subscriptions were minimal or none at all. This category
represented 54% of members which is clearly the majority. Many of these cases cited
lack of funds to purchase the journals compounded by the escalating prices of journals,
both in print and electronic. Those who attempted to subscribe ended up spending up to
three times of what they were paying to subscribe to just one database. According to the
study, 54% were paying up to five million, 20% up to ten million and 8% were paying
more than ten million annually while the rest did not subscribe to any at all. In
comparison to this the study showed that, at the time of the study, those who paid the
most to access the resources by KLISC paid 1.96 million only (see table 4.12).
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KLISC has also benefited members in very many other ways. The meetings organized
through KLISC have assisted in bringing members together and have managed to create
networks through which they share ideas as well as resources. They have obtained
contacts of other librarians and through the sharing have established those whom they can
turn to whenever they face challenges in their work. This has proven very beneficial to
many members. Likewise, information sharing has been made easy by use of email where
one sends any required information through the use of emails or other forms of document
delivery. The forums also provide opportunities for sharing ideas and innovations as
librarians.
Joining KLISC has also ensured constant availability to resources and through the use of
information standards, information could be provided anytime and anywhere as long as
the users were connected to the internet. A good example of such standards which some
members were using is the ―EZproxy‖ which was available for sale. This standard allows
libraries to provide resources to members away from their vicinity overcoming the
limitations of IP authentication. One of the members (Strathmore) was also in the process
of developing software locally for the same purpose.
Other benefits established through the study included saving on space through provision
of electronic services (Kaul, 2001; Shibanda, 2006). On the other hand KLISC supported
the development of ICT infrastructure to facilitate access and communication of
electronic information.
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5.2.5 Problems Experienced in Accessing E-Resources
Many members had problems of poor ICT infrastructure. This made it difficult for them
to utilize fully the available resources through KLISC. Below is a summary of the
problems faced by members in the provision of electronic information:
Poor ICT infrastructure among member libraries
Slow speed in accessing the electronic resources
Password requirements by individual publishers during access
IP verification which limited access within the institutions
Slow communication between member libraries and publishers especially during
registration
Denied access to full text by some publishers to some members
Embargo period of between six months to one year imposed on newly published
electronic journals
Lack of ICT skills for both librarians and users
High subscription for some libraries
Insufficient resources for some libraries
Sharing among regional Branches not possible since KLISC is only available to
libraries in Kenya.
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The study established that some members had problems of internet connectivity and lack
of sufficient number of computers compared to the number of users served. The study
also showed that there was lack of skills among staff of member libraries despite the
efforts being made by KLISC. There were insufficient ICT skills among the users.
Use of IP for authentication for access of the electronic resources was yet another
problem. This condition restricted use within the institutions which meant that users
could not access information away from the institutions and they could not work from
their homes or any other place of their choice yet electronic resources are available
anytime and anywhere as long as there was connection to the internet. In other cases, the
available resources did not cater for major information needs of all the members. For
instance, in the research institutions most of what was needed lay outside what was
negotiated for through KLISC. However, majority were still happy with what KLISC
availed. However, it did not auger well with such institutions when some publishers
further denied them access to some resources available to KLISC. A good example was
access to Nature which was denied to some research institutions. Members who have
regional branches also had their share of problems. The branches outside Kenya could not
access these resources since KLISC was confined to Kenya and resources through KLISC
could only be accessed in Kenya. So branches in other regions are forced to join other
consortia in their countries of residence.
The study also revealed that there was slow communication from publishers. This was
experienced during registration with the publishers. Some publishers took a long time
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before they responded to allow members to access their databases. It was also evident
that some publishers did not allow access to the full text of their journal articles. This was
in case of some publishers who denied access of full text to some members of KLISC.
The affected members are public libraries (e.g. Emeralds) and the international research
organization (e.g. Nature). The imposition of the embargo period of between six months
and one year was another problem expressed by members. This meant that members
could not have access to such journals until after the embargo has been lifted.
The study indicated that password requirement by some publishers posed problems to
members in that the libraries had to provide a password from each publisher to users who
would wish to access those databases. It was established that 90% of the libraries found
this a major problem. The other problem cited was that of IP verification. It was found
that there were times when the IT people in an institution would change the IP for
whatever reason. In some cases this information was not communicated in good time and
it caused delays in accessing information. In case of change of IP the library should
inform the publisher of the new IP for verification purpose. SreeKumar and Sunitha
(2009) concur that IP verification limits access to within the institutions.
The study revealed that some members who had branches experienced problems sharing
resources. Poor infrastructure was a common problem among such members. Many had
Internet issues, slow speed, lack of skills and many others. Although IP listing allows
sharing among branches, there were members who were ignorant of this. They did not
know that once the main branch was registered all the other branches were eligible for
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access to the same resources. This lack of information denied access to such branches.
The major problem of IP listing when it came to sharing of resources among branches
was that it required networking which lacked in many cases.
5.2.6 Proposed Solutions to Improve Availability of E-resources
This section presents the findings for objective five. The findings were as follows:
Promotion of KLISC
Majority of members suggested that it was important for the KLISC management to
engage in the promotion of the services offered to all libraries in Kenya since it is a
national consortium. This will result in increased membership which would in turn
reduce the cost of subscription or increase resources to accommodate all members‘ needs.
Improve Infrastructure
The issue of infrastructure was urgent since some members lack the basics like enough
computers, skills, and other facilities. Members recommended that KLISC should come
up with a programme to support those members who have problems of developing
infrastructure.
Fair Treatment
Respondents view was that all members should be allowed to access all the resources
availed through KLISC without discrimination especially research institutions and public
libraries.
Secretariat for KLISC
Some members expressed the need for independent secretariat body be established to run
KLISC as opposed to the present situation where KLISC is run from University of
113
Nairobi. They felt that money paid to the University of Nairobi would go a long way in
running of an independent body.
KLISC Accounts
It was proposed that KLISC accounts be separated from that of University of Nairobi as it
were the situation at the time of this study.
Effective Communication Of Needs
The management suggested that members should communicate their specific needs to the
management to facilitate selection of pertinent resources for various groups.
Discussions
Library consortial building is increasingly being adopted in all types of libraries as a
better alternative in the provision of electronic information and services. The study
showed that KLISC like other consortia played an important role in the provision of
electronic information and services among member libraries. These roles were
established as collective acquisition of electronic sources, negotiation of prices, licensing,
selection of resources, planning and implementation of IT infrastrucure and centralised
coordination of the consortium activities. These findings are supported by (Burke 2010;
IFLA 2009; Shibanda 2006; and sreekumar &Sunitha 2005). This findings point toward
the importance of a consortia to act as the central coordinating body to offer assistance in
areas which individual librarians are no expert for example price negotiations and
licensing which are quite technical.
The purpose of provision of information in libraries is to meet the needs of users in these
libraries. The needs for electronic resources are numerous and the study revealed that
these resources are important for the provision of scientific information especially
114
journals and journal articles which are very important for research work and course work.
Other needs include provision of bibliographic information, ease of use, easy distribution
of information, saves on storage space and also due to user demands. ( Kaul 2001 and
sreekumar &Sunitha 2005). From these findings it can be concluded that provision of
electronic resources is very important to libraries and should be encouraged. Study could
be conducted to establish the possibility of support from the government in the provision
of these resources.
There numerous benefits of consortia to member libraries. The study showed that KLISC
assisted it members in many ways. There was an increase of the resources available to
members, the cost of access was greatly reduced, free training offered, networking of
members was made possible, and resource sharing as supported by (Dhawan 1999;
Hirshon 1998; Khalid 1997; Landesman &Reenen 2009; Lowrey 1990; Pilling 2000;
Pinkerton 1984; Thomas 2004; and Were 2010). From these findings it is clear that these
benefits are indisputable and the consortium should be supported in every way possible to
ensure its continuity.
Despite the affirmation about consortial services for the provision of electronic services,
there are problems encountered which needs to be surmounted for these services to be
effective. The study point out that the major problems faced by members included use of
IP for authentication which restricted use within the institutions, password requirement
by publishers, slow communication between publishers and members during registration,
embargo period of between six months and a year, and poor ICT infrastructure among
115
members libraries. (Sreekumar &Sunitha, 2005). In view of these challenges there is need
for intervention to minimize these challenges to ensure effective and efficient provision
of electronic resources and services in libraries in Kenya.
In connection to the above problems members made the following suggestions. The
consortium should intervene to improve communication between the publishers and
libraries more effective, effective promotion of KLISC to all libraries in Kenya, provide
help in the improvement of ICT infrastructure in member libraries and separation of
KLISC secretariat and accounts from that of University Of Nairobi. The issue of
KLISC‘s secretariat was outside the scope of this study and it is recommended that a
study be carried out on KLISC Management. The other recommendations can also be
looked into for if implemented can improve the services.
5.3 Conclusions
Consortia building offer solutions to the problems facing provision of scientific
information for research and study. The formation of consortia has made it possible for
many libraries to have access to electronic information at a very low cost. The
availability of electronic resources ensures that members get: access to bibliographic
information for easy location and retrieval of needed publications; easy access to
information; to save on storage space; ease of use of information; easy distribution of
information; access to a variety of information resources; and low maintenance cost. A
consortium offers other services which are of benefit to members. They sponsor
provision of ICT skills for librarians and indirectly to end users who should be trained for
116
maximum utilization of the electronic resources. To ensure development in all sectors of
the economy, consortia building will offer a solution of meeting user needs since no
library no matter how rich can be able to provide wholly for the needs of its patrons.
Cooperation and resource sharing is the way to go for libraries in Kenya and world over
if libraries are to achieve their main objective of providing the most relevant, up-to-date
and timely information for research, study and decision making.
5.4 Recommendations
The following are the recommendations which if implemented can improve provision of
electronic resources to libraries in Kenya. They are in three categories: recommendations
to KLISC; recommendations to consortium member libraries; and recommendations for
further research.
5.4.1 Recommendations to KLISC
From the findings of the study, it emerged that there are some areas which KLISC needs
to consider to improve the provision of electronic resources to members. The
recommendations are as follows:
i) Members of KLISC are drawn from various types of libraries with different
backgrounds. This means that their capabilities also differ. Some of the
members are not financially capable to meet all the requirements for joining
KLISC. One such requirement is that of development of ICT infrastructure as
a prerequisite for access to electronic resources. For this reason, this study
recommends that KLISC should try to solicit sponsorship through the
117
partners to help improve ICT infrastructure among such members who are
unable to do so themselves due to financial constraints. This will help to
bridge the information divide among libraries in Kenya.
ii) It was established through the study that KLISC engages in various activities
which are all geared towards provision of journals and other electronic
information and services. However, there are other areas of resource sharing
which KLISC can incorporate to enhance provision of information among
members. This study, therefore recommends that KLISC should diversify its
activities to include other services like interlending and document delivery.
This is because even with the tremendous increase in publication of
electronic resources, paper based information material still form an important
source of information (Brandreth and Mackeigan, 1994; Friend, F. J. 1994).
iii) The electronic environment provided through the consortium can also be
extended to other services based on electronic database systems as opposed
to simply negotiations and pricing of resources. These services may include
sharing of bibliographic information, and development of union catalogues
among participating libraries.
iv) Issues of some categories of member libraries with very specific needs (e.g.
research institutions) to be looked into to ensure that those specific needs of
members are met as opposed to generalizing everything which is a
disadvantage to such members. In other words, if possible, members should
be allowed to select specific resources which are pertinent to their needs. The
118
KLISC management should then ensure Some of these specific resources are
included if not all.
v) Efforts should be made to facilitate all members to access all the databases
available to KLISC. Findings show that some publishers denied access to
some of their databases available to the consortium to research institutions
and KNLS.
vi) The management should market and promote KLISC to all libraries in Kenya
to increase membership and subsequently reduce cost for members or
increase resources where by the additional money can be used to purchase
more needed resources. Marketing will also create awareness of those who
do not know about KLISC so that they, too, can benefit from the resources
and services offered through the consortium.
vii) The KLISC management should assist new members who would wish to
join the consortium, especially those from non university organizations by
talking to the administration about the consortium. This is because new
members and those who aspire to join KLISC often find it hard to convince
the administration of their institutions and other sponsors to commit to
paying the annual subscription fee.
viii) The training provided should be geared towards benefiting majority of
members especially those involved in the provision of the electronic products
and services. In this connection surveys should be conducted from time to
time to establish the effectiveness of the trainings and adjustments to be done
accordingly.
119
ix) It should be established what the constitution of the consortium (if it is there)
says about the frequency of elections for office bearers. Members expressed
the need for election of new office bearers.
5.4.2 Recommendations to Consortium Member Libraries
i) The member libraries should take advantage of the electronic environment
provided for provision of e-resources to introduce other related services like
document delivery services.
ii) Member libraries should always articulate their specific needs to KLISC for
them to be considered for inclusion.
iii) The management of the specific member libraries should ensure that training
facilitated through KLISC benefits all the staff and end users and not just
those who get the chance to attend the training.
5.4.3 Recommendations for Further Research
It is recommended that further research should be carried out in the under mentioned
areas to improve provision of electronic resources to libraries in Kenya.
i) This study only looked into the provision of electronic information. An
investigation should be done to look into the possibility of improving effectiveness
of cooperation and resource sharing among the member libraries.
ii) A study should be carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the KLISC
management in supporting access to e-resources in Kenya.
iii) A study should be conducted to establish the factors affecting the utilization and
usability of e-resources provided by KLISC to member libraries‘ end users,
120
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125
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR LIBRARIANS
SECTION A
BIO INFORMATION
1. Name of the library _______________________
2. Institution ____________________________
3. Designation ______________________
4. Experience (yrs) ____________________________
5. Status of the library: Main Branch
SECTION B
GENERAL INFORMATION
6. How many users are served by the library? ______________
7. For how long have your library been a member of KLISC? _____________
8. How much did you pay for registration (in Kshs) ? __________________
9. How much do you pay per year for subscription for access to the electronic
journals (in Kshs)? ___________________________
10. Are there any other payments for the services received from KLISC?
Yes No
If yes, what are they? _________________?
What services is the money above paid for?___________________
11. Do you think the money paid to KLISC is money well spent?
Yes No
126
Explain your answer above
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
12. How many electronic journals are available to you through
KLISC?____________
13. How many journals did you subscribe to before joining KLISC? -
___________________
14. Is the number above all you required at that time? Yes No
If no, state why you could not have more
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
15. How much did the library spend on the subscription to journals before you joined
KLISC (in Kshs)? ______________________________________
16. Why do you need e-resources for your library?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Are there other services offered through KLISC that you could not offer before?
Yes No
127
If yes, what are they?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
17. What kind of information support does your library expect from KLISC?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
18. What problems does the library experience in accessing these electronic
resources?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SECTION C
ACCESS OF INFORMATION
19. Are all your users allowed to access the e-journals?
Yes No
128
20. If no, explain
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
21. What conditions should users meet before they can access the e-journals?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
22. Does your library have other branches?
Yes No
23. If yes, how do users in these branches access the e-journals?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Yes No
If no, please explain the reason
SECTION D
EVALUATION
25 In your opinion is being a member of KLISC beneficial to your library?
Yes No
26 If yes, please list the benefits of being a member of KLISC
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
129
If no, please state why
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
27 Are you happy with the way KLISC is being run?
Yes No
Please state why you think so
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
28 In your opinion, what should be done to make KLISC serve its members better?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
THE END
130
APPENDIX II: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR THE KLISC MANAGEMENT
1. Institution _____________________________
2. Position held __________________________
3. How long have you been a member of the management team?
__________________________________________________________________
4. What is KLISC and how does it carry out its activities?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. How many members does KLISC currently have? ________________________
6. What are the requirements for being a member of KLISC?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
7. What are the major services that KLISC provides to its members?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
131
8. How many e-journals does KLISC subscribe on behalf of its members?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
9. What role does KLISC play in connection with the following?
Negotiation of prices
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Licensing
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Access to e-resources
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
10. How does KLISC deal with the issue of Subscription payments?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
132
11. Does KLISC assist its members to acquire skills in managing the electronic
resources?
Yes No
If yes explain how this is done
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
If no, please state why
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
11. Does KLSC offer other services other than e-journals?
Yes No
If yes, what are they?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
133
12. What challenges does KLISC face in the provision of services to its members?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
13. Does KLISC assist its members in developing ICT infrastructure in their
libraries?
Yes No
If yes, explain how
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
If no, please state why
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
134
14. Does KLISC market itself to the non-members?
Yes No
If yes, which methods are used in doing so?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
If no, please state why
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
15. To what extent has KLISC been successful in supporting consortium libraries?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
17. What should be done to improve availability of e-resources in libraries in
Kenya?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
THE END
135
APPENDIX III: RESOURCES AVAILLABLE TO KENYA THROUGH INASP
Publishers
Publishers
INASP works with publishers and aggregators to make their resources available within
our partner and network countries.
Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Access to all issues of Journal of the Acoustical
Society of America (JASA); Back to Vol. 1, No. 1, October 1929
African Journals Online (AJOL) Abstracts of over 420 African-published journals,
with access to some full text online, and a document delivery service.
American Institute of Physics AIP publishes 12 journals, two magazines, and a
conference proceedings series. Their citation platform hosts over 1.5 million articles from
more than 25 scholarly publishers.
American Physical Society APS Access to the Physical Review Online Archive
(PROLA) and 11 journals produced by the American Physical Society.
Annual Reviews Annual Reviews publications operate as a high quality filter,
prioritizing and synthesizing the primary research literature in 37 different disciplines for
the Biomedical, Life, Physical and Social Sciences.
British Library Direct Provides free table of contents searching from 5 years of data for
over 20 000 journals.
British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) The world's largest collection
devoted to the provision of remote document delivery covering every aspect of science,
technology, medicine and humanities, in many languages.
Cambridge University Press Over 230 leading titles in Linguistics, Politics, Medicine,
Science, Technology, Social Science and Humanities.
Cochrane Library An internationally acclaimed database of regularly updated evidence-
based medical systematic reviews.
136
De Gruyter LIS Books Subject based package of 45 e-books, predominantly IFLA
publications .
EBSCO Host Research Databases Access to 8 major databases: Academic Search
Premier; Business Source Premier; ERIC; Master file Premier; Newspaper Source;
Health Source : Nursing & Academic; Health Source : Consumer Edition; Medline.
EBSCO Religion and Theology Collection 6 databases are available through
institutional subscriptions.
Edinburgh University Press Over 30 full-text electronic journals in the humanities and
social sciences.
Emerald Group Publishing Ltd Emerald Management, features 140 Business and
Management journals and Emerald Engineering eJournal Collection, features 19
Engineering journals. All of which are peer-reviewed and fully searchable full text
journals plus reviews from the world's top 300 management journals.
Gale Cengage Learning: Expanded Academic and Health & Wellness Resource
Center Expanded Academic and Health & Wellness Resource Center: General research
database that covers subject areas from art and literature to economics and the sciences.
Geological Society The Lyell Collection is an electronic collection of new and archival
journal, Special Publication and book content, published by the Geological Society of
London. It contains key peer-reviewed Earth science literature of the highest quality
Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Access the IEEE/IET
Electronic Library (IEL), which provides access to neary 2 million full-text documents in
electrical engineering and computer science.
IOP Publishing Over 60 of the world's most prestigious journals in physics and related
disciplines.
JSTOR Access to full-text journal articles available as searchable, scanned page images
from over 800 important scholarly journals in 48 disciplines.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 64 authoritative publications in the most promising areas of
biotechnology, biomedical research/life sciences, clinical medicine and surgery,
alternative and complementary medicine, law, philanthropy, environmental science and
sustainability.
NPG - Nature Publishes 79 journals and online databases across the life, physical and
applied sciences and, most recently, clinical medicine.
137
NPG - Palgrave Macmillan Journals Palgrave Macmillan offer a combined portfolio of
over 60 peer-reviewed e-journals in the field of Business, Social Sciences and the
Humanities.
OECD OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is the
world's largest think-tank, renowned for its authoritative, internationally comparable
statistics, analysis, and outlooks in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences and
Environmental issues.
OSA - Optical Society of America 15 Optics and photonics journals published by OSA
and selected OSA meeting content.
OUP E-books Oxford English Dictionary Online The most authoritative and
comprehensive dictionary of English in the world, tracing the evolution and use of more
than 600,000 words through 3 million quotations.
Oxford Journals (OUP) Over 200 leading titles in science, technology, medicine,
humanities and social sciences.
Project MUSE Project MUSE provides online access to over 430 full-text journals from
70 publishers in humanities and social science. MUSE pricing meets library needs around
the world.
Royal College of Physicians Full text access to ―Clinical Medicine‖, the journal of the
Royal College of Physicians, London
Royal Society Seven leading international journals from the Royal Society, the UK's
national academy of science. Titles cover the whole of the biological and physical
sciences, and include Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, the longest-
running continuously published journal in the world.
Royal Society of Chemistry: RSC Journals Archive Back file containing all articles
published by the RSC (and its forerunner societies) from 1841 to 2004
Royal Society of Chemistry: RSC Journals Online Online Journals Database
(chemistry); plus 4 key abstracting databases plus a series of specialist online periodical
reports
Sage Publications Over 550 journals in the business, humanities, social sciences and
STM.
Sage Publications - IMechE (was PEP) 18 journals representing the best in mechanical
engineering. Also available is the IMechE Proceedings Archive 1847-1996.
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Springer eJournals Springer is one of the leading international scientific publishing
companies. Springer eJournals cover a wide range of subjects including biomedicine and
the life sciences, clinical medicine, physics, engineering, mathematics, computer
sciences, human sciences, social sciences and economics.
Symposium Journals Symposium Journals is a pioneer in the publication of online-only
academic journals, i.e. journals that have no printed editions but otherwise have the same
aims, traditions, standards, and presentation as conventional journals.
Taylor & Francis eBestseller Packages The Taylor & Francis eBestseller Packages
contains 1200 of their bestselling eBook titles from twelve key subject areas.
Taylor & Francis Online Journals More than 1,300 titles in humanities, social sciences
and applied sciences.
University of Chicago Press The Journals Division publishes journals and serials in a
wide range of disciplines, including several journals that were the first scholarly
publications in their respective fields.
Wiley Online Library HSS Wiley Online Library Humanities and Social Sciences
collection (HSS) provides access to over 500 journals
Wiley Online Library STM Wiley Online Library Science, Technology and Medicine
collection of over 800 titles
World Bank e-library a package of electronic databases that includes: World Bank e-
Library, World Development Indicators (WDI) Online and Global Development Finance
(GDF) Online.
World Bank Global Development Finance (GDF) Database An electronic data source
on the of external debt and financial flow data.
World Bank World Development Indicators (WDI) Online Database An electronic
data source on the global economy.
World Bank – Global Economic Monitor Conceived by the World Bank team
responsible for monitoring and reporting on day-to-day developments in the global
economy, Global Economic Monitor is a "one-stop shop" portal for analysis of current
economic trends, and economic and financial indicators.
World Bank: Africa Development Indicators Africa Development Indicators is the
premier data source on the African economy. It contains over 1,400 indicators and time
series from 1965 for 53 countries.
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Related Links
Consortia
Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) http://klisc.org/
Other access Initiatives
Research4Life
Research4Life is the collective name for AGORA/HINARI/OARE. A public-private
partnership of the WHO, FAO, UNEP, WIPO, Cornell and Yale Universities and the
International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers.
HINARI: http://extranet.who.int/hinari/en/country_offer.php
AGORA: http://agora.aginternetwork.org/content/en/country_offer.php
OARE: http://oare.oaresciences.org/content/en/country_offer.php
PERii: Open Access
PERii: Publishing Support
Country Contacts
INASP is represented in your country by the following people:
Agatha Kabugu,
Systems Librarian
University of Nairobi Library
PO Box 30197
Nairobi
00100
Kenya
Tel: 254 020 318262 Ext 28201
Fax: 254 020 245566
Email: akabugu@yahoo.com, akabugu@uonbi.ac.keWeb: http://klisc.org/index.php
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APPENDIX IV: ELECTRONIC DATABASES AND JOURNALS
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI 2010
1. Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
URL: http://asa.aip.org/
Subject Strengths: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA)
Acoustics - General Linear Acoustics, Nonlinear Acoustics, Atmospheric Acoustics
and Aeroacoustics, Underwater Sound, Ultrasonics and Physical Acoustics,
Transduction, Acoustical Measurements, Instrumentation, Applied Acoustics,
Structural Acoustics and Vibration, Noise: Effects and Control, Architectural
Acoustics, Acoustic Signal Processing, Physiological Acoustics, Psychological
Acoustics, Speech Production, Speech Perception, Speech Processing, Musical
Acoustics, Bioacoustics, Computational Acoustics, Mathematical Acoustics.
2. American Institute of Physics
URL: http://www.aip.org/pubs/
Subject Strengths: Applied and multidisciplinary physics.
3. American Physical Society APS
URL: http://publish.aps.org/
Subject Strengths: Physics, Atomic, molecular and optical physics, Condensed matter
and materials physics, Nuclear physics, Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology
Statistical, non-linear, and soft matter physics, Accelerators and beams, Physics
education research.
Annual Reviews
URL: http://www.annualreviews.org/
Subject Strengths: Annual Reviews publishes authoritative reviews in 40 focused
disciplines within the Biomedical, Life, Physical, and Social Sciences.
4. Beech Tree Publishing
URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/beech
Subject Strengths: Public policy for science and technology, Research evaluation.
5. British Psychological Society
URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bpsoc
Subject Strengths: 11 international peer-reviewed journals offer the latest original
research in psychology.
6. Cambridge University Press
URL: http://journals.cambridge.org
Subject Strengths: Politics, Linguistics, Social Science, Humanities, Law,
Mathematics, Science, Medicine.
7. EBSCO Host Research Databases
URL: http://search.epnet.com
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Subject Strengths: Good coverage of most branches of social sciences and
humanities, strong business coverage, strong nursing, medicine and allied health
coverage, dedicated newspaper database.
8. EBSCO Religion and Theology Collection
URL: http://search.epnet.com
Subject Strengths: Religion and human culture, Theology, philosophy and ethics,
Christian denominations, Church history, missions and ecumenism, World religions
and religious studies, Bible archaeology and antiquities, Pastoral ministry.
9. EMERALD
URL: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Subject Strengths: Emerald Management, features 140 Business and Management
journals and Emerald Engineering eJournal Collection, features 19 Engineering
journals. Computer Science, Engineering, Library and Information Sciences,
Marketing, Management. Ensure you have the list of journals subscribed to.
10. GALE
URL; http://infotrac.london.galegroup.com
Username: nairobi
Password: database
Subject Strengths
Expanded Academic ASAP Database: Economics, topics in business and finance,
anthropology, archeology, computing and computers, education, art, literature, music,
history
international relations, law, sociology, philosophy, religion.
Health and Wellness Resource Centre: various topics in medicine and health, STDs
and AIDS, psychology and mental health, nursing, includes the BMJ and JAMA.
11. Geological Society
URL: http://www.lyellcollection.org/
Subject Strengths: Geology, Earth Sciences
12. Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/
Subject Strengths: Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science &
Architecture, Imaging Science & Photographic Technology, Robotics, Biomedical
Engineering
Computer Science Information Systems, Software Engineering, Remote Sensing,
Artificial Intelligence.
13. Institute of Physics Publishing (IOP)
URL: http://journals.iop.org/
Subject Strengths: IOP publishes over 50 of the world's most prestigious journals in
the following areas; Applied physics, Computer science, Condensed matter and
materials science
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High energy and nuclear physics, Mathematics, applied mathematics and
mathematical physics, Measurement science and sensors, Medical and biological
sciences, Optical, atomic and molecular physics, Physics education, Plasma physics.
14. JSTOR
URL: http://www.jstor.org
Subject Strengths: This is an archive that contains over 800 important scholarly
journals in 50 disciplines that include – Economics, History, Political Science,
Language & Literature, Art & Art History, Music, Mathematics & Statistics,
Education.
15. Mary Ann Liebert
URL: http://www.liebertonline.com/
Subject Strengths: Biotechnology, Biomedical research/life sciences, Clinical
medicine and surgery, Law.
16. Nature
URL: http://www.nature.com/
Subject Strengths: Nature Publishing Group (NPG) publishes journals and online
databases across the life, physical and applied sciences and, most recently, clinical
medicine. The specific subject areas include; Chemistry, Drug discovery,
Biotechnology, Materials, Methods & Protocols; Cancer, Cardiovascular medicine,
Dentistry, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Methods & Protocols,
Pathology & Pathobiology, Urology; Earth sciences
Evolution & Ecology, Geosciences; Biotechnology, Cancer, Development, Drug
discovery,
Evolution & Ecology, Genetics, Immunology, Medical research, Methods &
Protocols,
Microbiology, Molecular cell biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Systems
biology; Physics,
Materials, Nanotechnology, Photonics.
17. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
URL: http://www.sourceoecd.org/
Subject Strengths: Economics, Energy, Environment, Social sciences.
18. Optical Society of America (OSA)
URL; http://www.opticsinfobase.org/
Subject Strengths: 15 Optics and photonics journals published by OSA, conference
papers, and selected OSA meeting content, including Advances in Optics and
Photonics.
19. OUP – Oxford English Dictionary
URL: http://www.oed.com
Subject Strengths: The OED covers words from across the English-speaking world,
from North America to South Africa, from Australia and New Zealand to the
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Caribbean. It also offers the best in etymological analysis and in listing of variant
spellings, and it shows pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
20. Oxford Journals
URL: http://www.oxfordjournals.org
Subject Strengths: Biological Sciences, Medicine, Public Health and Epidemiology,
Humanities
Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Business, and Finance, Mathematics, Statistics,
Computing and Physics.
21. Project Muse
URL: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/
Subject Strengths: Project MUSE provides online access to 430 full-text journals
from 108 publishers in humanities and social science – specific subject areas include,
African American and African Diaspora Studies, African Studies, American Studies,
Anthropology, Art and Architecture, Asian Studies, Book History and Print Culture,
Caribbean Studies, Classics
Cultural Studies, Economics, Education, Film, Theater, and Performing Arts,
Folklore
French Studies, German Studies, History, History of Science, Technology, and
Medicine
International Relations, Judaic Studies, Language and Linguistics, Latin American
Studies
Library Science and Publishing, Literary Magazines, Literature, Medieval and
Renaissance Studies, Middle East Studies, Music, Native American and Indigenous
Studies, Pacific Studies
Philosophy, Politics and Policy Studies, Population Studies, Religion, Sociology,
Women's Studies.
22. Royal College of Physicians
URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/rcop/cm
Subject Strengths: The journal features articles covering original research, current
issues, ethics, law, clinical governance and audit, and also reports on prestigious
College lectures and conferences. It covers clinical medicine, public health.
23. Royal Society
URL: http://royalsocietypublishing.org/journals
Subject Strengths: Mathematics, engineering and other physical sciences, All
biological sciences; particularly good on ecology, environment, multidisciplinary and
interdisciplinary science.
24. Royal Society of Chemistry Archives
URL: http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/DigitalArchive/available.asp
Subject Strengths: As this is an archive, all articles are over one year old and include
all branches of chemistry including traditional fields (organic, inorganic, analytical
chemistry) plus newer developments and cross-disciplinary studies such as natural
144
products and green chemistry, databases in analytical chemistry, catalysts and
catalysed reactions, organic synthesis and natural products, specialist reports in:
amino acids, peptides and proteins, carbohydrate chemistry. monosaccharides,
disaccharides and specific oligosaccharides, catalysis chemical modelling, electron
paramagnetic resonance, NMR, organometallic chemistry, organophosphorus
chemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopic Properties of inorganic and organometallic
compounds.
25. Royal Society of Chemistry Journals Online
URL: http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/index.asp
Subject Strengths: 37 full text journals spanning all branches of chemistry, plus a
range of key databases in analytical chemistry, catalysts and catalysed reactions,
organic synthesis and natural products.
26. SAGE
URL: http://online.sagepub.com/
Subject Strengths: SAGE publishes more than 560 journals in Business, Humanities,
Social Sciences, Science, Technology and Medicine.
27. Springer
URL: http://www.springerlink.com
Subject Strengths: A package of 200 journals have been subscribed to in 2010. Ensure
you have the list. Subject areas include Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences and
Law, Mathematics and Statistics, Medicine, Physics and Astronomy.
28. Symposium Journals
URL: http://www.symposium-journals.co.uk/
Subject Strengths: Education, Learning.
29. University of California Press
URL: http://caliber.ucpress.net
Subject Strengths: Access to 8 journals in the following fields; Area Studies, History
of Science
Human research and BioEthics, Sociology, Social interaction.
30. University of Chicago Press
URL: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/
Subject Strengths: Economics, Education, Humanities, Law, Life Sciences, Medical
Sciences
Social Sciences.
31. Wiley Blackwell Intersciece Collection
URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com
Subject Strengths: Business, Chemistry & Physics, Computer Science, Engineering
Humanities & Social sciences, Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics
& Statistics, Medicine & Nursing, Physics and Astronomy, Polymers and Materials
Science. Get the list of subscribed journals for 2010.
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32. World Bank
URL: http://www.worldbank.org/elibrary
Subject Strengths: World Bank elibrary includes Agriculture, Communities & Human
Settlements, Conflict and Development, Education, Energy, Environment, Finance
and Financial Sector Development, Gender, Governance, Health, Nutrition and
Population
Industry; Information and Communication Technologies, Infrastructure Economics
and Finance
International Economics & Trade, Law and Development, Macroeconomics and
Economic Growth, Poverty Reduction, Private Sector Development, Public Sector
Development
Rural Development, Science and Technology Development, Social Development
Social Protections and Labor, Transport; Urban Development, Water Resources
Water Supply and Sanitation.
OTHER FREE COMPLIMENTARY PROGRAMS
33. AGORA
URL: http://www.aginternetwork.org/en/
Username: ag-ken059
Password: churdarderdu
Subject Areas: Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA) is a
program to provide free or low cost access to major scientific journals in Agriculture,
Animal Science, Biology, Biotechnology/Applied Microbiology,
Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biophysics, Economics/Social Science, Entomology/Pest
Control, Environment/Ecology/Natural Resources, Fisheries/Aquatic Science, Food
Science/Nutrition, Forestry, Plant Science/Soil Science.
34. HINARI
URL: http://www.who.int/hinari/en/
Username: KEN006
Password: 16NE232
Subject Areas: The Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) provides free or very low
cost online access to the major journals in biomedical and related social sciences.
35. OARE
URL: http://www.oaresciences.org/en/
Username: KEN558
Password: 25146
Subject Areas: Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE) program
enables institutions in developing countries to access journals in the following fields;
Biology; Biotechnology, Genetics & Genetically Modified Species; Botany & Plant
Biodiversity; Climatology, Climate Change & Meteorology; Ecology & Wildlife
Conservation; Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy; Environmental Chemistry;
Environmental & Natural Resource Economics; Environmental Engineering;
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Environmental Law, Policy & Planning; Fish & Fisheries; Forests & Forestry;
Geography, Population Studies & Migration; Geology & Earth Sciences; Natural
Environmental Disasters; Oceanography & Marine Biology; Pollution &
Environmental Toxicology; Satellite & Remote Sensing Technologies; Soil Sciences
and Desertification; Waste Management; Water, Hydrology & Wetlands; Zoology &
Animal Biodiversity.
36. DIRECTORY OF OPEN ACCESS JOURNALS (DOAJ)
URL: http://www.doaj.org/
Subject Strengths: The service offers free, full text, quality controlled scientific and
scholarly journals in all disciplines. Currently the service has 4764 journals.
37. AFRICAN JOURNALS ONLINE (AJOL)
URL: http://www.ajol.info/
Subject Strengths: The service provides tables of contents and abstracts of over 250
African journals covering all disciplines with document delivery. Articles from
journals published in own country will however not be provided.
UNLESS WHERE SPECIFIED, ALL DATABASES/RESOURCES ARE
ACCESSIBLE THROUGH IP AUTHENTICATION